Hi Mummy,
we took a really long hiking tour along the River Wupper today. We went to Leichlingen, a small town, by train.
From here we followed the River Wupper for about 17 - 20 km.
River Wupper is flowing through the city centre of Leichlingen.
This is a typical house of this region. Old houses are often covered with slate, you can also find lovely half-timbered houses.
We followed the river until we reached the historical grindery Wipperkotten. It was first mentioned in the documents in early 17th century, situated close to the River Wupper. It burned down and was rebuilt several times, survived even both World Wars. It was supposed to be dismantled in 1955, but it was saved, restored and is unter monument protection now. Today they were celebrating their annual "Schleiferfest".
Here you can see the old grindery buildings with the double-waterwheel.
The waterwheels were running, driving the machines inside.
Here you can see one of the historical workplaces.
Outside again ...
We continued walking towards to Solingen. River Wupper is damed by a weir here.
We walked through a lovely hamlet than, it is called "Rueden", which is the German word for a male dog.
We walked along lovely flowers.
Do you know Himalayan Balsam?
When we had to cross a road we saw this lovely vintage car.
We walked through another hamlet, Balkhausen.
In Balkhausen there is another historical grindery. a museum is situated here.
We walked until we reached Solingen-Unterburg. High above this district you can find the medieval castle "Schloss Burg", built in early 13th century. I hope I will vist this castle some time, Katja promised to take me there if possible. You can see the castle in the background of the next photo and a zoomed photo.
A chair-lift is leading uphill to the castle.
We took a last group photograph in Unterburg.
This was a fantastic trip, but my feet are hurting now (not only my feet, I suppose )
Love
Honesty