Along the river

Due to my mom's special needs I haven't had a lot of free time lately but I still managed to get out for a hike in order to get my head cleared.

The trailhead starts in Leichlingen, a small town on the countryside between Cologne and Dusseldorf. I used to live and work here for around six years before venturing out to Canada.

Leichlingen

Not much has changed here, traffic management is a bit different (more roundabouts), there is a new footbridge over the river Wupper, a few new houses and the place where I used to work is now in private hands.

Eicherhof, my former workplace

Today the trail will lead me along the river, and over the hills. The weather could be better, but hey, it's typical winter weather in Germany with rain and temperatures around 3°C.

View on Leichlingen

River Wupper

The saturated wet ground made for a slippery and muddy hike. I came along "Haus Fähr", in summer a popular beer garden on the riverbanks. The same goes for the "Wupperhof". Both timber frame houses had been inns and ferry stations before bridges over the river were built.

Haus Fähr

Wupperhof

As I walk towards the Sengbach reservoir, the ever so present drizzle turned into rain and hail. The dam had been built in 1903 and is one of the oldest reservoirs in Germany.

Sengbach réservoir

A few clicks later I arrive at Burg, yet another - typical for the region - timber frame village with a castle on top. Due to weather conditions and dwindling light I pressed on and arrived at the train station just in time for my ride home.

Burg with castle on top

Unterburg

Wishing you a festive season!