Brachtser Höhenweg

To avoid having to walk the asphalt access path from Brachthausen twice, we recommend starting at the Vorspanneiche hiking parking lot on the L728. From the stately Vorspanneiche, follow the "K" markings on a wide farm track through a sparse wood. A field path then leads past a Wacholderheide and along extensive Weide down into the Silberbachtal valley.Here you turn right onto the "Z" markings and hike through the idyllic, varied valley. Sometimes there are wide views, sometimes a rushing stream accompanies the path - its meandering course in the middle section of the valley is particularly charming.After around 170 meters along the K19, which you walk downhill on the left, you cross the road. A paved path then leads uphill to the next slope. The path soon flattens out and the "Z" markings lead on to Varste. There, follow the white diamond on the "Zur Kophelle" road to the Wegescheid hiking parking lot. From here, an access path of the Rothaarsteig (RHS) takes over the route.After crossing a hilltop, a steep descent begins on a narrow natural path to Wirme. At the church, cross the L728 and climb steeply along a service road to the edge of the forest. There, the route continues uphill to the pilgrimage church of Kohlhagen. Tip: The 7-Schmerzen-Weg branches off on the way and, as a nature trail, offers a quieter alternative to the road.After visiting the baroque church, follow the RHS access path further uphill. The hill offers a beautiful view of the next destination: Gut Ahe. The view over the hilltops of the Sauerland is also impressive from one of the benches. The asphalt ends at the Gut Ahe country hotel/café. The route continues uphill on a paved path. At a forest meadow, you leave the RHS access path and turn right onto the ∆ markings towards Hilchenbach.A windbreak field opens up the view of the landscape before you cross the hilltop on the historic Kriegerweg and reach the Hasenbahnhof after 10.5 km. From here, the route marked "⊥" leads back to Brachthausen. Alternatively, you can stay on the path with the ∆, rejoin the K-Weg at the edge of the forest and return to the starting point at the Vorspanneiche using these markings