From the initial blurb we all thought Hetloo Palace would be a good place to visit; a former royal hunting lodge with gardens and carriage.motor museum. But we discover the palace is closed for renovation and the gardens are only partly accessible so we agree to abandon the visit.

First we need shopping and LPG, both available in Vasen, before starting out on a scenic route south through dense forest with deer signs and some significant hills as this is part of the oriiginal terrain rather than the flat reclaimed lands.

It’s a real change from recent journeys, feeling much more familiar with tree-surrounded farms, small hedged fields and livestock. And no canals.

Gelderland, being the older region, shows the influence of its former royal and well-to-do inhabitants. Castles and mansions are common and other houses are quite grand.

The woods get denser as we approach our campsite on the edge of Arnhem and the site itself is dense with trees.

After checking in and having lunch we take it easy while Nick and Grete take the motorbike into Arnhem to get information. They return with some pamphlets but also say much of the area is being prepared for King’s Day tomorrow.

Grete cooks chicken with noodles and we all have an early night.