CYCLING ROUTE
MTB-route Ermelo
MTB-route Ermelo takes you through one of the most varied stretches of nature in the northern Veluwe. Wide open heathland, dense forest trails, burial mounds and one of the largest sheepfolds in Gelderland.
Thijs de Jong23 kmDuration: 2.5 to 3 hours
The route is a little less technical than the Harderwijk loop, but make no mistake: 23 kilometres with 171 metres of climbing and challenging singletracks will keep you more than busy.
What can you expect from the Ermelo mountain bike route?
MTB-route Ermelo is 23 kilometres long and runs clockwise. The route is signposted with blue MTB posts, which sets it apart straight away from the green Harderwijk loop. Handy if you combine them.
The total elevation gain is 171 metres, spread across a wooded area with relatively gradual slopes. No short, sharp climbs like on MTB-route Harderwijk, but a rhythm that keeps you nicely moving. Along the way you'll come across berms and natural obstacles that keep the route interesting.
The official difficulty rating is blue, intermediate. That makes this loop accessible for anyone taking up mountain biking seriously for the first time, but also perfect as a quick training lap if you've already got a few more kilometres in your legs.
What a great experience, mountain biking for the first time. And through the beautiful Veluwe forests and heathland of Ermelo, no less. We did the blue route of 23 km. Very doable, even for beginners. Highly recommended! The staff at Outdoor are all friendly and really helpful! Read more
We got good advice and explanations. We finished off with a nice cup of coffee and a treat in the sunshine. We say: go and hire a mountain bike at Outdoor Harderwijk! Arjen and Robert (Zaanstreek)
Translated from Dutch
The surroundings: heath, forest and history
What sets the Ermelo loop apart is its openness. Large parts of the route cross the Ermelosche Heide, a vast area where you suddenly have plenty of sky and space around you. Along the way you'll pass burial mounds, quiet reminders of people who lived here centuries ago.
The route also passes through the Speulderbos and the Sprielderbos, dense forest trails that contrast sharply with the open heath. And then there's the Schaapskooi, one of the largest sheepfolds in Gelderland with around 300 sheep. The flock actively manages the landscape and keeps the heath open.
Part of the route runs through the Strokelbos, an off-lead area for dogs. Please keep that in mind.
Three starting points, one obvious choice
The Ermelo loop has three starting points.
Transferium Harderwijk, Boekhorstlaan
This is also where Outdoor Harderwijk is based. Parking is free, there's a bike wash and you can hire a mountain bike right here. The Ermelo loop lies on the south side of the Leuvenumseweg (N302). You set off from us and finish with us, with everything sorted in one place.
Camping de Haeghehorst, Fazantlaan 4, Ermelo
Handy if you're staying nearby and want to start the route straight from where you're staying.
Camping Het Vossenhol, Morieljelaan 19, Ermelo
A second starting option in Ermelo itself.
Combining with other loops
The Ermelo loop links up seamlessly with the Harderwijk loop. Together they add up to around 45 kilometres, a proper day in the saddle. On weekdays you can add the Trek Trail: a short technical loop of 2.1 kilometres at the Bouw- en Infrapark in Harderwijk, with jumps, berms and boardwalks.
Fancy a shorter route instead? The section through the Strokelbos can also be ridden as a separate loop, handy if you're riding with children or just want to do fewer kilometres.
Good service, helpful & enjoyed a beautiful MTB ride (Ermelo and Harderwijk combined).
Translated from Dutch
Ermelo
A longer loop with more space and openness. You ride through the Speulderbos and across the Ermelosche Heide, with a lovely flow that feels especially good in the final section. Link the Ermelo loop to the Harderwijk loop and you've got a ride of around 45 kilometres.
Harderwijk
The technical loop with punchy singletracks, elevation changes and views over the Beekhuizerzand and the Leuvenumse bos. A little more challenging in character than Ermelo. Want to know more? Read the article about MTB-route Harderwijk.
Trek Trail
Short and technically sharp. Jumps, berms and boardwalks at the Bouw- en Infrapark in Harderwijk. Only open on weekdays, but a great addition if you want a bit more after your ride.
Route marking and navigation
The Ermelo loop is marked with blue MTB posts, which makes it easy to tell apart from the green Harderwijk loop if you combine them. Follow the route clockwise and you'll get round fine without GPS.
Want extra peace of mind? A GPS track is available. Start coordinates: N 52.32727, E 5.64622.
No trail permit is required.
No mountain bike? No problem
No mountain bike of your own? Hire one at Outdoor Harderwijk, right at the starting point. The mountain bikes are well set up and ready to go.
Before you set off, we'll give you a quick introduction: we adjust the saddle height and explain the controls. We'll get you out on the route in no time.
Riding with clipless shoes (SPD)? Let us know when you book and we'll fit the right pedals for you. Please note: these are SPD pedals, not suitable for SPD-SL (road bike).
From trail to terrace
23 kilometres of mountain biking through heath and forest works up an appetite. Back at Outdoor Harderwijk, pull up a chair on the terrace and leave the rest to us.
Start your day with lunch or round it off with drinks in the open air. Fancy something more substantial? Go for a BBQ with good meat, fresh salads and plenty of time to talk over your ride.
Take a look at the Outdoor Harderwijk menu or request your package and Thijs and Anne will be happy to help you plan.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions about MTB-route Ermelo
How long does MTB-route Ermelo take?
On average, the route takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Sporty riders finish faster, beginners often take a bit longer.
Where does MTB-route Ermelo start?
The route starts at Transferium Harderwijk, Boekhorstlaan 1 (3847 LP). You can park for free here and you're right on the route. Outdoor Harderwijk is also based here, where you can hire a mountain bike and grab something to eat or drink before or after your ride.
Is MTB-route Ermelo suitable for beginners?
Yes, of the two routes the Ermelo loop is the more accessible for beginners. The slopes are more gradual and the terrain demands a little less technique than the Harderwijk loop. Some cycling experience does help, though.
What is the route's difficulty level?
The route has a blue difficulty rating (intermediate). Technical enough to stay fun, accessible enough for those who haven't clocked up many MTB kilometres yet.
Do you need a trail permit for MTB-route Ermelo?
No, you don't need a trail permit for MTB-route Ermelo.
Is the route well signposted?
Yes, the route is marked with wooden posts bearing the international MTB symbol in blue. That blue marking sets the Ermelo loop apart straight away from the green Harderwijk loop if you combine them.
Is MTB-route Ermelo suitable for children?
Yes, thanks to its accessible character the Ermelo loop is very doable for families with children. Outdoor Harderwijk has children's mountain bikes available, suitable for children from 130 to 145 cm tall. Wearing a helmet is compulsory.
Can I hire a mountain bike at the start?
Yes, at Outdoor Harderwijk you can hire a mountain bike right at the starting point. You'll be out on the route within minutes.
Can I get something to eat or drink near MTB-route Ermelo?
Yes. At the start and finish, Outdoor Harderwijk, you can stop for lunch, drinks or a BBQ. Ideal for starting or rounding off your ride. There are few places to eat or drink on the trail itself. Most riders choose to flop down on the Outdoor Harderwijk terrace afterwards.
By Thijs de Jong
The outdoors is his natural habitat. As Chief Outdoor Officer, Thijs knows the Veluwe like the back of his hand and makes sure you head out with the best route, a well-adjusted bike and all the explanation you need. Behind the scenes, he keeps everything running smoothly. And every now and then, he'll simply pour you a cold beer.