Walk: Along the Ruhr

The starting point is at the station forecourt in BestwigStanding in front of the station building, turn left. After approx. 200 m, cross the level crossing on the right and then turn directly left onto the B6 hiking trail. The path takes you past the Busch company. You will now reach the renaturalized Ruhr. The landscape opens up and the Ruhr has free flow. A large meadow area with several benches and a rest area directly on the Ruhr invite you to linger and relax. There is plenty to discover at the insect hotel. Your path then takes you across the Velmede wooden bridge over the Ruhr. After a short while, you come to a playground with a trampoline and football pitch. The next attractions are the Ruhr valley window and a footbridge on the banks of the Ruhr. Here you can watch the Ruhr, preferably lying down. If you continue on your way, you will also catch sight of the "ReKultivierung" ground artwork. The artwork was created in conjunction with the "aufruhr" association. The three adjacent information boards explain the artwork by artist Ernst Köster, provide information about the village of Velmede and point out the surrounding hiking trails. In case you are wondering about the numerous cyclists: They are already on the well-known RuhrtalRadweg, which connects the source of the Ruhr near Winterberg with the mouth of the Ruhr into the Rhine near Duisburg, from the start of the trail. If you continue along the path, you will reach the canal road in Velmede after a few meters. On the left, you will see the Kardikal-Hengsbach bridge spanning the Ruhr. A bronze plaque honors the famous "Ruhr Bishop" who was born in Velmede. We leave the Kardinal-Hengsbach bridge on the left and follow Kanalstraße for around 200 meters before turning right into Oststraße. After just a few meters on Oststraße, you will see Cardinal Hengsbach's birthplace on the right - also marked with a bronze plaque. Follow Oststraße for around 400 m until you reach the end of the village of Velmede. Here the asphalt path becomes narrower and soon turns into a path with natural ground. On the right, there are always beautiful views of the renaturalized Ruhrauen. Cross the wooden bridge over the Ruhr. Then turn left and walk back to the starting point at Bestwig railroad station.