{"id":4169,"date":"2026-09-30T17:21:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T15:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outdoorpinsandmore.com\/?p=4169"},"modified":"2026-10-01T15:50:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T13:50:31","slug":"airborne-walk-dropzone-ede-ginkelse-heide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outdoorpinsandmore.com\/de\/airborne-walk-dropzone-ede-ginkelse-heide\/","title":{"rendered":"Airborne Walk Dropzone Ede on the Ginkelse Heide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There is a memorial on the Ginkelse Heide that I have seen in photographs many times: Vensters op het Verleden<\/em>, or Windows on the Past<\/em>.
I have wanted to see it for myself for ages. So when I look for a walk near Dropzone Ede during my walking week based in Oosterbeek, I know immediately: this is the one.<\/p>

The Airborne walk is about eight kilometres long and consists of two loops. The route passes places that recall the Second World War. The airborne landings during Operation Market Garden play a major part in the story, but Operation Pegasus also comes up along the way.<\/p>

I expect a walk filled with history and heathland. What I do not expect is to end the day standing with my face turned towards the sky, watching a whole line of military aircraft fly overhead.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Air-Raid Siren at the Start of My Walk<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When I arrive at the car park on the Ginkelse Heide, I see three large military trucks. The heath is also used as a military training area, so their presence is not really surprising.<\/p>

Still, they catch my attention straight away.\u00a0<\/p>

My son serves in the army and gets to drive one of those huge machines too. Whenever I see vehicles like these, I cannot help feeling like a proud mum.<\/p>

I set off on the first loop. It is the first Monday of the month.<\/p>

And what do I hear?\u00a0The monthly siren test.<\/p>

Normally, I hardly give it a second thought. But now I am walking through a place while reading about the Second World War, airborne landings and attacks from the air. Suddenly, that sound feels different.<\/p>

It makes me quiet.\u00a0Of course, walking alone is already quiet in its own way. But at that moment, I notice myself turning even further inward. The surroundings, the stories and the knowledge that so much happened here all affect me.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The First Loop: More Than You See at First<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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To be honest, I find the first part of the route a little dull. There is not much information along the way, and as a walker I do not see many obvious places of remembrance. Later, I read that several locations here do recall events from the war. You just do not always notice them when you are walking past.<\/p>

Perhaps that is one of the remarkable things about a landscape like this. You see heath, trees and sandy paths, while so many stories lie beneath that peaceful scene. One of those stories is Operation Pegasus. After the Battle of Arnhem, many British soldiers were left behind German lines. In October 1944, soldiers were helped across the Rhine to liberated territory. The area around the Ginkelse Heide also has a place in the history of that period.<\/p>

It is remarkable to think how many different stories unfolded around this heath.<\/p>

What I do notice straight away is a boardwalk leading to the Heidebloemplas. Of course I have to follow it.\u00a0The pool is very dry after the warm, dry summer of 2026. The water lilies look a little lost.<\/p>

Such a shame.<\/strong><\/p>

Water lilies are among my favourite flowers. I can imagine how lovely this place must be when there is plenty of water and the flowers are in bloom. I hope, for this place too, that a good downpour comes soon.\u00a0Preferably at night.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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