Through the waterways to a view of the cathedral

The source area of ​​the Große Dhünn is rich in water. It forms the main tributary of the Große Dhünn Reservoir, which, with a storage capacity of 81 million cubic meters, is Germany's second-largest drinking water reservoir. Approximately one million people between Wuppertal and Leverkusen receive their drinking water from it, as does the state capital Düsseldorf in the event of a disaster.
The 16-kilometer circular hike to Wipperfeld leads through the reservoir's catchment area, crisscrossed by babbling brooks. The village, situated somewhat off the beaten track of the historic military road (now a busy highway), has largely retained its original character and offers a place to stop for refreshments. On the return journey, hikers can enjoy a detour to the source of the Große Dhünn river and a picnic area with a panoramic view stretching as far as Cologne Cathedral.

In the small Hückeswagen hamlet of Neuenholte, this circular route begins right next to the village's fire station. To the left, a forest path marked A1 leads into the Mohlsbach valley. At the T-junction, turn left and follow the markings "A2" to "A6" and a square. Ignore a side path to your right, then keep left at the fork and you will soon hear the water gurgling on both sides of the path. Cross the stream, first to the left and then shortly afterwards, following the "A3" marker, turn right again. Continue straight ahead for a few meters upstream along the Purder Bach valley. Cross the Purder Bach, join the Water Quintet hiking trail, and then, in a wide leftward arc, gaining altitude as you return to the valley you just left. Further downstream, the valley now bears the name Purder Bach.
From the wide forest path, after a left-hand bend, turn left onto a narrow trail that leads you to the road. Turn left here and walk down to Purd. The village was first mentioned in 1481 under the name "in der Poirde" in a donation list for the Marian altar of the Hückeswagen church. The Purd mill, clearly maintained with great care, is a striking feature. Following the road, cross the Purd stream and then turn right onto a farm track. After about 1,5 kilometers, join the Water Quintet hiking trail and turn right again, crossing the Große Dhünn on a footbridge. At 40 kilometers, the Dhünn is the longest tributary of the Wupper River.

At the edge of the valley, turn left onto the cross path and after about 70 meters, turn right onto a trail. At its junction with a wider path, follow this to the left, turn right twice in Untermausbach, and then after 70 meters, turn left uphill to Erlen. There, cross the B506 federal highway, on whose predecessor, the Heerweg (military road), merchants and other "armies" traveled from Cologne towards Westphalia as early as the Middle Ages. Continue straight ahead on the gravel path, turn right at the junction with a road, and then soon after, turn left onto a farm track that leads you into the valley. There, cross the stream and leave the Wasserquintett-Weg (Water Quintet Trail) by turning left. Keep left at the junction and then turn right up Professor-Mausbach-Straße into the center of Wipperfeld.

It's 560 kilometers from here to Berlin, according to the signpost. But don't worry, this tour isn't that far. Directly opposite rises St. Clemens Church, whose current structure dates from the 1890s. Around the church is a listed, systematic collection of gravestones spanning five centuries.

Follow the village road to the left, past the church, and after about 430 meters turn right onto the field path (A1). At the end of this path, turn left, cross a path in the valley, and continue uphill following the "A1" marker to Grüterich, through the village, and then around a left-hand bend. A circular marker will lead you to the B506 federal highway, which you cross to take the cycle and pedestrian path to the right, then turn left onto Kaplansherweg, a side street. Follow the circular marker to the edge of the forest, and from there turn right onto quieter paths leading down into the valley of the Große Dhünn river.

Following the circular trail marker, hike uphill again, continuing straight ahead at a crossroads in the forest, then soon through a right-hand bend and across a meadow. To the right of the path, beyond a dip, you can see Ritzenhaufe. Beyond it, on the right-hand horizon, lies the source of the Große Dhünn river, which local experts have made accessible again. Today it is marked by a stone stele. Allow approximately 40 minutes for the detour to the source.
Those wishing to continue along the circular route should turn left after a few meters, following the circle marker, onto a path leading to the road. Turn left onto the road and after approximately 170 meters, turn right onto a farm track leading uphill. At the next road, continue unmarked to the left through the hamlet of Isenburg until you reach the junction with the "Domblick" (Cathedral Viewpoint). Resourceful locals have erected a signpost here indicating the direction in which the Cologne Cathedral towers, 33 kilometers away, can be seen on a clear day. A table and benches nearby invite you to enjoy a picnic. Afterwards, turn right at the junction to return to the starting point.