Hiking trail M7 | Tecklenburger-Land-Route

• From the information stand at the "Markt", the path first leads to the left into "Bischofstraße". Keep left again at the small procession house, cross Schwarze Straße and follow the cul-de-sac of the same name to Franz-Tombrink-Hütte.
• There, a narrow path branches off to the left and leads to "Schniederbergstraße". The route continues uphill along the cycle path, past St Mary's Chapel. After about 100 metres, behind a left-hand bend, you cross the road. A subsequent nature trail leads along a meadow and through a small wooded area into the idyllic Fahlbach valley.
• In the valley, the path turns right at the refuge. After about 180 metres, follow a grassy path to the left up to "Querenbergstraße". Turn right here, then after around 350 metres turn left onto "Lager Weg". After approx. 450 metres, an ascending forest path begins on the left.
• This turns right after around 200 metres and rejoins "Querenbergstraße", which then becomes "Nießings Kamp". Shortly afterwards, a seating area with a beautiful view invites you to linger.
• Just a few steps away, another path runs along a former quarry to "Merowinger Eck", a historical site with burial mounds from the 6th to 9th centuries. From there, the path leads back to the "Nießings Kamp" road. After around 100 metres, turn right again onto "Querenbergstraße". On the left-hand side, it is worth making a detour to the sculpture forest with its skilfully carved wooden figures.
• Back on "Querenbergstraße", continue for about 350 metres, then turn left into a cul-de-sac. After about 170 metres, this bends to the right before a small path branches off to the left down into the Fahlbach valley. In the valley, the "Fahlbachweg" leads to the right and continues until it branches off into the "Lärchenweg", where there is a small seating area.
• The "Lärchenweg" ascends, crosses the "Schniederbergstraße" and leads into the picturesque Ölmühlental valley. There you cross the "Ölmühlenweg" before a narrow forest path leads up into the Leyschulten Lieth - a quiet side valley.
• At the upper end, you come to the "Schlangenpättken", which you follow uphill to the left until you reach the "Schwarze Straße". This is crossed at the crossroads, as is the road "Zum Nordschacht". The path then leads along the new cemetery via "Bergstraße". Around 150 metres after the "Hubertushöhe" junction, a footpath leads up to the "Heinrichshöhe". There, benches and a fossilised horsetail from the Carboniferous period invite you to rest and explore.
• From the hill, the trail descends into the Köllbach valley. The trail runs along the Köllbach stream and finally leads back to the starting point at the car park of St. Agatha's Church.

Travelling by car:

• Mettingen is easily accessible via the A30 motorway - exit Ibbenbüren, then follow the signs to Mettingen.
• Alternatively, you can take the A1 motorway, exit at Osnabrück Hafen and continue via Westerkappeln to Mettingen.

Travelling by public transport:

• The Münster local and long-distance railway station can be reached from various directions
• From Münster with the S50 bus line to the terminus Ibbenbüren, bus station
• Ibbenbüren, bus station
• Continue with bus line R20 to the terminus Mettingen (Westf), Schultenhof
• 3 min walk to St. Agatha church

Free parking is available in the public car park at St. Agatha's Church right next to the starting point. There are also other, temporary car parks in the immediate vicinity, which can also be used free of charge.

The route is marked in both directions by black, square signs with white lettering.

• Trail conditions: The route runs through slightly hilly terrain and consists mainly of tarmac sections, supplemented by well-maintained forest and nature trails. All paths are easy to walk on throughout. The route is signposted throughout, making it easy to find your way even without a map.
• Benches: There are numerous benches along the route for short breaks and views.
• Rest areas: In the centre of Mettingen there are many opportunities to stop and rest.

Parkplatz an der St. Agatha Kirche

Parkplatz an der St. Agatha Kirche