On September 14, the Clogs Path Wolferensepad in Herveld-Andelst was officially opened. The path originated from a citizen initiative that not only provided a beautiful walking route but also established new connections and brought people closer together.
Enthusiastic Start from the Village
It started with three very enthusiastic residents and a route. With support from the Landscape Management Foundation Gelderland and the municipality of Overbetuwe, they formed a working group. One of them, Leroy, talks about the beautiful mix of volunteers in the working group: “In our working group, there were volunteers with different talents. Some had never walked a Clogs Path, but knew many people or brought unique stories. That mix made the project special.”
Creative Ideas and Collaboration
Over two years, the group coordinated the route with landowners and came up with creative ideas. Sometimes perhaps a bit wild, but often valuable. For example, the collaboration with Museumboerderij den Tip emerged. The idea was to hang from the sails of the mill during the opening. That of course didn’t happen, but there was extra to experience on this day (which coincided with Open Monument Day). The orchard was full of bicycles: the whole village participated. That’s the beauty of the village; we got a lot done. That local involvement contributes to the Clogs Path as a beautiful result of this initiative.
Rediscovering the Surroundings
According to Leroy, the path allows residents to experience their surroundings anew: “Our goal was to get people moving. And that is already going well! You see typical Clogs Path walkers recognizable by good hiking shoes and a little backpack with provisions. What is normal for us, like the artwork The Timeline, visitors often find very special. But more and more villagers are trying out the new paths. The new shortcuts through the fields, a characteristic part of a Clogs Path, create new loops. The fun part is: seeing others walk makes you want to walk.”
A Path with a Future
The initiators hope that the Wolferensepad will inspire even more people. Leroy: “We want to get rid of the dusty image of Clogs Paths and create an attractive story. There are already nice videos online. I invite you to share these, but also especially to walk this new Clogs Path yourself and share your own experience!”
The path is a beautiful example of how a small initiative can grow into a valuable result for the whole village. For more information and the route of the Clogs Path Wolferensepad, visit the website of Clogs Paths.
