South of Rinteln the land rises into the Lippe hills, and the Exter valley runs up through them in a quiet, winding way. The area has a name among riders for its relaxed and flowing roads, and it is easy to see why: the lanes follow the folds of the land, climbing gently through beech and oak woods, dropping to small streams and passing through villages of half-timbered houses with red tiled roofs. It is a landscape on a human scale, with no big peaks or dramatic views, just mile after mile of green.
The region belonged for centuries to the small principality of Lippe, one of the many tiny states that made up the German map until the nineteenth century, and the old courts and castles of the area still show their traces. The little towns are not grand, but they have a tidy, well-kept look, with market squares and Protestant churches. Farmland fills the valley floors, with cattle, maize and cereals, and on the hills the forest is managed for timber.
The roads here are good, with smooth surfaces, flowing bends and moderate gradients, and the speed limits on the minor roads are generally sensible. On weekends the area attracts many riders, and the cafes and inns on the routes fill up, so a weekday ride gives the quietest conditions. Police checks and radar are not unknown in the villages, so keep to the limits. The shade of the forest keeps the air cool in summer, and in the early morning mist lies in the valleys.
Rinteln, about ten kilometres away, is the nearest big town and has fuel and food; Aerzen and Dörentrup are alternatives, both of respectable size. The villages along the way have small shops and a few inns, but opening hours can be limited, particularly on Sundays and in the afternoon, so plan ahead for lunch.
Late spring, when the beeches are bright and fresh, and early autumn, when the leaves turn bronze, are the best times for the ride. In winter the roads may be icy in the shaded valleys, and snow can close the higher lanes for short periods.