Wüstebach und Püngelbach

Erkensruhr, the hidden village in the Erkensruhr valley, doesn't seem to have made up its mind wether it wants to blossom or disappear from the map. The nearby Rur dam and the village of Einruhr forever seem to steal the show. This might be exactly what makes Erkensruhr the hiker's secret tip: A beautiful hidden valley, with easy access to the 'Dreiborner Hochfläche' (a previous military training ground) and its modern-time windmills, and a multitude of well laid-out trails. One can easily make out enough trails to fill a few weekends of hiking from Erkensruhr.

One of them is the 'Schöpfungspfad' or 'Path of Creation', which our trail briefly touches.

The Erkenruhr stream originates at the confluence of the Wüstebach and the Püngelsbach - two small streams that you do not need to memorize except when you happen to live in the area. Our trail passes this confluence. More interesting is the general topography of the area that created this hidden and very beautiful valley. And if you are really into linguistics, note that the Erkensruhr, as a tributary to the better-known Rur stream, has an 'h' in the 'Ruhr' name.

We hiked in early April, after a particularly long and cold winter, and must admit that there are other more colorful seasons. Having said this, the highlands of the Dreiborner Hochfläche have a certain austere charm that makes for a great hike in any season.