The Gelukkigerwijs pilgrim path

I am therefore grateful for the Gelukkigerwijspad, which invites me to visit places where I would never have set foot otherwise. Wilco Kruijswijk is the creator and developer of this hike. This researcher and philosopher is an avid pilgrim himself and developed the Gelukkigerwijspad from his interests in the theme of 'happiness', walking and discovery.

The Gelukkigerwijspad starts in Amersfoort. Traditionally a place of pilgrimage to which pilgrims came from far and wide. Even today. So you and I can also put on our pilgrim shoes and explore today's miracles. And while you are in Amersfoort, discover the stories of the most photogenic city in the Netherlands on a city walk .

Apart from discovering the beautiful surroundings of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Kromme Rijnstreek and the rest of Utrecht, on the Gelukkigerwijspad you are invited to meet others, follow your own rhythm and leave the world a little nicer than you found it.

The three core values of rhythm, connection and beauty are interwoven throughout the walking route. Because when we are not guided by an agenda or pre-conceived plan, but by the need of the moment, we (re)find our own rhythm. Embracing the simplicity of the moment is an art, and pilgrimage helps me tremendously with that. Allow yourself to reflect on your time what you really need. For instance, our route from Utrecht to Amersfoort ended in Den Dolder because we took (too) long breaks along the way in a cosy coffee-shop. And that's okay, the route doesn't run away, these fine moments on the other hand might.

By following your own rhythm, you also create space for genuine encounters, the second core value of the Gelukkigerwijspad. You might meet fellow pilgrims or strike up a conversation with residents of the villages and towns you walk through. For instance, we had a nice encounter with Margo from Bonbon Margo, during the same hike that ended in Den Dolder. Her business was on the walking route and we were invited for some goodies and a nice chat.

The third core value is leaving the world a more beautiful place. Physically, but also on deeper levels. By making encounters, you give trust. In some places, you are invited to volunteer. Because of the corona measures, this was not possible when I walked the route, but we did pick up litter. A small gesture to make the world a little nicer.

Before I started the Gelukkigerwijspad, I received the Pilgrim's Package from Wilco. With this, you set off well prepared. The pack contains of course a route guide and pilgrim's passport, but also other small things that can bring you and others happiness during your walk.

The route guide is mainly a support; because stubbornly following the route while preferring to wander around is not what the Gelukkigerwijspad stands for - as my mother and I experienced during our trip from Wijk bij Duurstede to Odijk (15.5 km). It was so cold that we turned around halfway. We will save this part for when the fruit trees are in bloom, but thanks to the detailed maps you will discover beautiful spots. You can also download a GPS route, but reading the maps is a nice addition to the often well-marked footpaths. It also makes you look at the surroundings in a different way.

These small, well-thought-out gifts and invitations make it a unique trail if you ask me. You can also hear that reflected in this Podcast episode. Honeyguide Femke interviewed me while hiking for her Podcast Walks. We talk about our pilgrim experiences during the Camino de Santiago and the Happierworld Path and about our work at Honeyguide, all of which have nice common ground in terms of core values.

Pilgriming for a day is not the same as walking for several days. But Femke and I agree that it can offer you the same thing: rest, exercise, time to reflect and contemplate. And with the loosening of coronagraphs, most people want to go more, faster and further again. The perfect time to reflect if you ask me; what really makes you happy? In any case, I always find my answers in nature.

Maybe I'll meet you along the way?

Love,
Yalou

P.S. On my own blog, We are the Earth, you can read a whole series of posts about my pilgrimage experience on the Camino de Santiago.
P.P.S. You can also find these and other walking routes, hidden gems and special experiences on the Honeyguide App!