Taking a nice walk on the Waalsdorpervlakte
Hiking is actually always possible, even if it rains a bit. We (my family and I) experienced that the other day when we went for an impromptu walk on the Waalsdorpervlakte. But there was a big advantage to the rain: many people decided to go back. When the weather cleared, we had the dune-like plain almost to ourselves! And that is quite nice in times of Corona.
The Waalsdorpervlakte
The Waalsdorpervlakte is a huge walking area between The Hague and Wassenaar. You have everything here: dunes, sea and forest, because Meijendel is attached to it. So you can walk endlessly and in all directions! There are a lot of different parking lots around this nature reserve. We chose to park in The Hague, because we already understood that the two big parking lots at Meijendel filled up quickly. Especially on weekends. Our parking lot was also near the Vlakte van Waalsdorp. You walk right there onto the path towards the Bourdon clock. The first part is a bit boring and crowded because cyclists use the same path, but everyone could pass each other just fine.
Ai, rain
It was a beautiful sight, those dark skies behind those bright trees, but of course we knew what time it was. Rain, and not a little bit of it. Of course we didn’t have raincoats with us, so we had to take shelter under a pine tree. Around us we saw many people going home. For us the reason to stay. Fortunately it opened up pretty quickly after that and it stayed dry. In some parts we had the dunes all to ourselves.
Place with a past
The Waalsdorpervlakte also has a sad past. Between 250 and 280 resistance fighters were executed here during World War II. That’s why you come across memorials everywhere. Large and impressive ones, like the Bourdon bell that is rung on May 4 and the bronze crosses, to small fresh white roses hidden in tree trunks. They are all impressive, especially when you know what happened there. Our 10-year-old son has been talking about World War II in school, so he was also impressed. We can only applaud the existence of such monuments. The past should not be forgotten.
Long walk
Funnily enough, there is quite a bit of elevation change in the nature reserve. In the more than 8 km we hiked, we also climbed 380 meters. And we felt that the next day. The loose sand didn’t make it any easier either. Some of the dunes were real calf bites! At least you can’t say you didn’t do anything. Really a great work-out on January 2. This was what you call a good start of the new year and we will definitely be back. We have not seen everything of this beautiful area.
Hiking on the Waalsdorpervlakte? Think about this!
Stay sensible to the corona rules, especially now. Especially the first stretch can be crowded because you will be sharing the path with cyclists. Just turn around if you think it’s too crowded. Consider in advance how long you want to walk and what exactly you want to see. Of course, this also depends on the company you are out with. Do you have small children with you? Then the Monkeybos in Meijendel is highly recommended. Do you have walking shoes that are waterproof? Those are perfect! Also make sure you have somewhat higher socks otherwise in no time your shoes will be full of sand. That gives blisters (I know from experience). Also, don’t forget to bring some water, even in winter. Who knows, you might get lucky and see a rabbit!
Want to be kept up to date with the latest tips, blogs and giveaways? Then sign up for our newsletter today!
