From Witten, the Ruhr twists and turns into a total of four 180-degree loops in the landscape. The single trails in the Muttental valley, the first hot spot between Bommern and Herbede, are at least as winding. You will find what you are looking for around the Hardenstein and Wilhelmshöhe ruins. In the idyllic valley of the Muttenbach stream, you can also take a journey into the past: Ancient mining shafts are finely lined up in the mountain here. To the south of Hattingen, cross-country and enduro riders get their money's worth: the hills of Elfrighauser Schweiz undulate all the way down to Wuppertal. Enduro pro Antje Kramer recommends a tour to the Langenberg transmitter, where a number of trails can be found (e.g. trail X17). The Ruhrhöhenweg (XR) also winds its way from Hattingen over to Isenburg Castle. The highlight is the descent from the castle down to the campsite on the Ruhr. The last hot spot downstream are the steep slopes on the northern shore of Lake Baldeney. In the Schellenberg forest, storms have made some paths impassable, but at the same time have created beautiful viewpoints. Refreshment tip: Bergerhof in Hattingen, farm with refreshments (www.bergerhof.de).
Bike get-togethers
Every Thursday at 6.45 pm at the Loco Cycles Shop in the south of Essen (Alfredstr. 399). The bosses Pascal and Thomas will show you the best trails around Lake Baldeney.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 9/2015 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
>
