D7 Donkey Round

The D7 Donkey Trail is a varied, approximately 8,5-kilometer hike through cool valleys, shady forests, sunny hilltops, and rural residential areas. The D7 circular route begins in Bechen and follows the Osbach Valley to the reservoirs near Hohe Mühle, continuing along the reservoir trail to the hamlet of Große Heide. At the Große Heide hiking parking area (which can also be used as a starting point for this hike), located directly on state road 310, the trail crosses to the Scherfbach Valley side and passes through the villages of Keffermich and Kochsfeld. Following the Kochsfeld stream, the route leads down through the forest to the Liesenberg Mill. Parallel to the Scherfbach stream, the trail then ascends through the forest and across meadows back to Bechen, where the prominent church tower marks the end of the hike.
The starting and ending point of the circular hike is the Catholic Church of St. Anthony the Hermit, whose history began around 800 years ago and which is still the center of the Kürten parish village of Bechen. Below the church, you cross the L 310 at the so-called "Dhünn Balcony" and hike along the Pastor's Path towards the old slate-roofed rectory, which was built in 1879. There, you leave the paved road and descend on a path into the Osbach spring area. You cross the Osbach via a footbridge and then follow the route uphill to the opposite side of the valley until it joins a well-maintained road. From here, there is a beautiful view over the Osbach Valley with the Bechen church tower in the background. The path now leads down into the valley to the left, to the K20 district road below Rodenberg. Follow this road to the left until you reach the parking area, where you turn right. From here, the reservoir trail accompanies route D7 for a short distance. The path now leads up and down through the shady forest towards the hamlet of Große Heide.
Tip: Shortly before entering the village, there's an option for an additional loop: If you wish, you can follow the reservoir trail to the right to enjoy further stunning views across the plateau. After 1,1 kilometers, the reservoir loop trail automatically rejoins trail D7.
Route D7 follows the paved path to the Große Heide hiking parking area on the L 310 (an alternative starting point for the Donkey Trail), leaving the reservoir trail behind. After crossing the road, a well-maintained farm track leads through woods and meadows to Keffermich, where you turn left. Continue through the residential area of ​​Kochsfeld until you reach the L 310 again. Two sandstone wayside crosses catch your eye along this stretch; the first, in the village center, was erected around 1861, and the second, on the main road, around 1848. Turn sharply right and hike downhill on a well-maintained path across a meadow. To your right, at the edge of the woods, lies the source of the Kochsfelder Bach stream, which now accompanies you through the forest to the idyllic Liesenberger Mill. The path runs above the mill and, after a left-hand bend, turns towards the Scherfbach valley. However, those wishing to see the mill buildings and millpond must take a short detour downhill before the left-hand bend. The path leads uphill along the northern slope of the Scherfbach valley. As you gain altitude, the forest thins, offering panoramic views of the Rhine plain to the west on the way back to Bechen. The church tower, visible from afar, guides you back to the starting point. Here, you can finally discover the story behind the Bechen donkey...