Autumn gravel route in Utrechtse Heuvelrug from Houten

Route Description

I went to visit my old buddy Theo in Houten. Riding one of his gravel routes was a nice excuse to catch up after many years. The area (Utrechtse Heuvelrug) has a little bit of climbing and very nice and long gravel patches. The area is also covered with lots of green and forests. I rode this mid November, when the forests were all covered in beautiful autumn leaves.

The route starts from Houten and I made it start from the train station (Houten Castellum). From there it’s a short paved ride to get to the good stuff where you get into a nice rhythm of forest tracks, gravel and some paved connections. All in all the route is about 40% unpaved. The area is loaded with more gravel, so it’s easy to add more unpaved kilometers if you want.

Along the way you pass a lot of decent country houses and small castles. In ancient times the area was the border of the Roman empire. Utrecht used to be an old Roman fortress (Traiectum) and when you ride along the old border named the “Limes” you will see the beautiful country houses, where old fortresses and watch towers used to be. And some of them still are.

• Tip: It’s easy to find more routes in the area. Be sure to expand on this route or check out routes of some well known route builders like Gijs Bruinsma.
• Tip: Along the way you pass areas where nowadays in the Netherlands we have wolves. So just a fair reminder you’re a guest in their territory.
• Tip: There are historic buildings and castles in the area if you look around during the ride.