The steep slope opposite the parking lot with its mighty rock gives us a foretaste of the beauty of nature. But first we leave the Rur and walk to the large chestnut tree on Dedenborner Straße. On the fence opposite is an old wayside cross, a sign of deep piety in this once so poor region.

Our path leads us past old half-timbered houses, the typical angular farmsteads of the local landscape. They bear witness to a time when there was no tourism here and people had to make a living from farming. The memorial on the meadow to the right of the road was built in 1959/1960.

Anyone entering the church, which was completed in 1863 and dedicated to St. Bartholomew the Apostle, will immediately notice the colorful windows. When the sun's rays hit them, the room is transformed into a sea of color. The ornate windows, the Stations of the Cross, the Annunciation lectern and the tabernacle are works by the artist Erich Charlier, who died in 2015 and had his studio here in Hammer.

Just behind the church, there is a covered rest and play area for a first break before we continue our hike. It's hard to believe that the village got its name from this rather inconspicuous quarry stone house. It is the remains of a hammer mill built around 1650. The previous building, of which no one knows exactly where it stood, is mentioned as early as 1463. Many years have passed since the metallic sound of the blows echoed through the narrow valley and the smell of glowing charcoal lingered in the air. It is doubtful whether the hammer was ever profitable. At the beginning of the 18th century, the owner had to realize, for better or worse, that the whole thing was not worthwhile. He then converted part of the building into a grist mill. This remained in operation until the middle of the 20th century. Iron production, on the other hand, ceased in 1850.

Under no circumstances will we cross the Bartholomew footbridge quickly. Not because it would be dangerous, but because of the magnificent view of the Rur and its unspoilt riverside landscape. The rushing of the river, the lively play of light reflected by the waves, the splendid colors of nature, the scent emanating from the plants - all this is pure romance! After the bridge, we turn left. At the edge of the forest, we come across a path that winds up the slope and make the short ascent. Note: The Bartholomäussteg in Hammer "Am Hammerwerk" is closed until further notice. It is not possible to cross the Rur. For this reason, the hiking trail has been relocated and the signposting changed. This now leads "Am Hammerwerk" along the RurUfer cycle path to Grünentalstraße (K21). After a short stretch along the road, a path on the right leads to "Holderknipp". Here you return to the actual route.

We soon reach a flat farm track running parallel to the slope, which we follow to the left. When the trees have shed their leaves, there is a wonderful view of the village in the valley from here. After about 800 meters, we reach a square where a few benches invite us to linger. Then it's downhill again. The path we follow is quite old. It has been used for transportation for centuries. The cart tracks, which are carved deep into the rock in some places, bear witness to this. Once we reach the edge of the forest, the scenery changes. We now enter a romantic hollow path lined with old, gnarled hedges. As soon as we reach the valley, we are back in civilization. From the campsite, it is only a few meters to the Rur bridge and the parking lot behind it.