Hovetorp - Vidingsjö, Östgötaleden

This stage of the Östgötaleden trail is relatively easy to walk and follows paths and small roads from Vidingsjö exercise center to Hovetorp. The trail goes through Vidingsjöskogen, Ekängsdalen, Ullstämmaskogen and past the wetlands at Ullaberg. It then continues past inviting pastures, large oaks and exciting cultural environments. Parts of the trail run along the beautiful Kinda Canal and you pass the lock environments at Hamra and Hovetorp.

There are shelters in Ekängsdalen just south of Vidingsjö and at Hovetorp. In summer there is a small kiosk at Hovetorp.

Along the hiking trail there are several possible detours. In the north, the stage connects to Östgötaleden's circular loops at Ekängsdalen and Ullaberg and Mossen.

It is possible to combine the hike with a boat trip on the Kinda Canal. The M/S Kind runs the Linköping-Rimforsa route back and forth. It is possible to get on and off at the locks in the canal system, i.e. Hamra and Hovetorp for this stage of the walk.

The stage has a common route with the St Birgitta Ways pilgrimage trail.