Today I have a relatively short stage ahead of me, it’s going to be my final stage on the E8. After my start in 1994 I have hiked 108 days to make it to the historical Waalbridge at Nijmegen. 

When I start at Dodewaard it is cold; the strong wind comes from the east and the temperature is around freeing point. After 7km my friend Jos joines me for the final 20km of my E8. I have hiked over 99% of my E8 by myself and it is nice to have some support on this final (very cold) day. On our way back to the river Waal we pass one of the many windmills.

countryside filled with windmills, this one at Herveld

In this part of the country there are many trails signed which can be confusing. Fortunately I am digitally aligned (since the UK section), which is a big blessing. I remember back in 1996, when I was as far as in the west of Germany in the Eifel Hills, I have spent a day to go by car from home to the area to find the train and bus time schedules along the E8; there was no internet so all I could do was get the relevant information locally.

many signs

Those days have gone by, now. Of course if you hike multiple days per trip you are far less dependant on public transport. But being close to home (Nijmegen is half an hour drive for me) it is easier to make long days and recover after arriving home agian.

clear signage

After many cold kilometers, and after the sun has set, we arrive near Nijmegen. My wife Ingrid joins us for the last kilometer crossing the Waal again, using the historical bridge. I was here also 30 years ago, on the 16th November 1995. My E8 has come to an end.

Finish of my E8 at the Waalbridge in Nijmegen

Although this a big achievement for anyone, so also for me, at the end of this day we are cold, tired and we are happy to get something to eat in the city center of Nijmegen. The streets and the shops are decorated for the holiday season.

It is always great to be on your way to the horizon, even on cold days like this.