D2 Over hill and valley

The Dahl hiking parking lot above Kleinklev is the starting point for the 9,4 km long circular hike D2 – Over Hill and Dale. It's a path of contrasts and tranquility through secluded areas within the water protection zone, later touching the outskirts of Dabringhausen. The first part of the route leads over a ridge and then continues with a steady up and down through wooded slopes to the K16 district road near Ketzberg. After passing through the village, the route descends into the Linnefe stream valley, which is crossed between the outdoor swimming pool and the Coenenmühle mill, before climbing through a wooded area to Höferhof at the eastern edge of Dabringhausen. In Arnzhäuschen, the path runs briefly alongside the busy L101 state road, but soon the hiking route turns again and leads through the small village of Wenschebach, nestled in a valley. Passing the source ponds of the Linnefe, the path leads via Grunewald and Frenkhausen back to the hiking parking lot.
From the hiking parking lot, follow the D2 trail marker uphill along the road for a short distance, then turn left onto the Talsperrenweg (Reservoir Trail), which will accompany you for a while. After a short climb, turn left at the intersection onto the Stahlweg (Steel Path), which was once an important transport route to the hamlets, hammer mills, and forges in the Dhünn Valley. Before reaching the last houses in the far south of Großfrenkhausen, the view opens up to the east, revealing the Dhünn Reservoir and the rolling hills of the Bergisches Land region. The path leads you through mixed forest to a crossroads, where, about 100 meters further on the left, one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Dhünn Reservoir awaits you. The water protection forest below the meadow was planted after the reservoir was built. Returning to route D2, still following the Talsperrenweg, the trail now descends to the Frenkhauser Bach stream. In just a few years, the former meadow has transformed into a thicket of shrubs and moisture-loving perennials. The valley floor, which slopes down into a reservoir, has developed into an ecologically valuable wetland habitat. You now cross two more small valleys and finally reach a fork in the path. Here, leave the reservoir trail and take the left-hand branch, following the D2 trail to County Road 16. Turn left here, then right onto the road to Ketzberg. Beyond the village, leave the road at the first hairpin bend and take the steps down into the Linnefe Valley. The outdoor swimming pool is on the right, and the Coenenmühle mill, which has stood there for more than 500 years, is on the left.
Tip: A visit to the Coenenmühle is worthwhile - you can fortify yourself and refresh yourself in the pancake house located there.
After crossing the stream, ascend the hill above the outdoor swimming pool to Dabringhausen. Continue via Höferhof and Arnzhäuschen to Wenschebach, where you'll reach the Linnefe spring ponds in the valley floor. Following the path uphill, you'll soon reach the Grunewald cemetery. Cross the K16 district road and walk through the village, turning left at the Catholic Church of St. Apollinaris. Follow the road east along the ridge and, after Kleineledder, turn right onto the old steel road, which later becomes a farm track. Enjoy the panoramic view over the Dhünn valley and the hills of the Bergisches Land region to the east. The path now descends through the small wood until you reach the starting point of the circular hike after a short while.