I drove to a place I always pass by quickly when I'm cycling near Amersfoort: the estate Den Treek, which features a wonderful mix of forest and moors where heather grows and sheep graze. Even the forested zones are relatively open.
There are short climbs.
Which lead to wide views. Across the road there's a military shooting range, which means more space for mostly undisturbed nature.
A woodpile had been set up here in a sandy pit, but no campfire lighted.
Den Treek-Henschoten is the largest family estate in the Netherlands, not a nature reserve. Owners of private estates get tax breaks for allowing public access. Signs told me to stay on the paths, but it wasn't always clear where the paths were.
And I found wildlife! This beetle was scurrying fast - look at its stretched right hind leg.
No, but seriously, I also saw a small deer. I came closer until it fled from the shutter sound of my phone camera. That photo was blurry, unfortunately.
I went in the evening so I wouldn't meet too many people, but there were still a handful pedestrians and mountainbikers around. In an hour and a half, I saw about a quarter of the main part of the estate. I'm definitely coming back for more.
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