The best place to start for this multi-faceted hiking route is Mühlrather Hof in Schwalmtal. From here, you walk along smaller forests to the Laarer Bach. This winds through the wetlands, past fields and meadows, to the Laarer See. A few minutes later, the hiker reaches the Swalm, which is 45 kilometres long from its source at Tüschenbroich to its mouth in the Meuse.
Downstream the trail leads to the Borner Mühle and the Borner See. It is worth taking a break here to watch the activity of the many bird species. The animals find ideal conditions in this reserve. Then the trail leads through an authentic forest area, along the Swalm, to the Hariksee and back to the Mühlrather Mühle.