Nice walks with the dog

Do you have a dog? Dog owners always need to go outside, weather or not. But luckily spring is coming! That’s why we went in search of places where you can let your faithful four-legged friend run around and have a nice walk yourself. PS: of course, non-dog visitors are also welcome in the areas mentioned in this blog.

Nice walks around the Ouderkerkerplas

Dog owners can enjoy a nice walk around the Ouderkerkerplas from October 15 to April 15. The dog can run and swim while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Keep in mind that the dog must be on a leash unless otherwise indicated and that the dog must be under appèlete. Afterwards you and the dog can enjoy a drink at Paviljoen A/D Plas!

Dog Forest The Leesten

Nature reserve Het Leesten in Ugchelen, Gelderland, is not known as the dog forest for nothing. In this sizable forest near Apeldoorn, dogs are allowed to run loose for the most part. Lovely! So the dog can sniff around while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Because the dogs cannot escape, it is ideally suited for dog owners with hunting dogs. Normally there is the “danger” that the dog will pick up a scent and follow it with all its consequences. So here the Forestry Commission has made sure that this cannot happen. You can also park there easily, which is also a big advantage.

Dog Swimming Pond Ut Poeleke

In the North Brabant village of Oeffelt (near Limburg) you will find a real dog water playground! Dog Swimming Pond Ut Poeleke not only has a wonderful play pond for the dog, they can also let off steam on the large lawn and (together with the kids) romp around on the large trampoline! The water is continuously filtered so even in summer you won’t suffer from blue-green algae. Owners can sit on the picnic benches and there is also all kinds of delicious food and drinks for sale at the on-site restaurant. Special dog race days are also organized! But keep in mind that Ut Poeleke has a full=full policy. So you have to reserve a spot. Parking is easy and free.

Taking the dog to the beach

Part of the Erkemederstrand & Nulderdijk (between Nijkerk and Zeewolde, Flevoland) can be visited with dogs all year round. It has rightly been declared the nicest dog walking spot in the Netherlands. The area consists of a 1.5-kilometer-long beach and also a 5-kilometer-long quay where dogs are also allowed to run loose. Between September 1 and March 1, dogs are also allowed to run loose on surrounding beaches. Parking is easy, but chargeable (debit card only). Combine your visit with the Hulkesteinse Bos where the dog is also allowed to run free.

Walking with the dog – Laarsenberg

In Rhenen, Utrecht, you will find the Laarsenberg route. This 4.6-kilometer hiking trail consists of deciduous and coniferous forest. The dog is allowed to run loose and go about its business here, but must be under roll call, as they say. Also be mindful of other visitors to the forest. At the highest point you have a beautiful view over the Gelderse Vallei and what is also nice: the route passes the bear enclosure of Ouwehands Dierenpark. Note: the dog must be leashed if you walk along the fields. This is because birds breed here.

The saw and the Stormpoldervloedbos

Near Krimpen aan den IJssel you will find De Zaag and the Stormpoldervloedbos. Your dog is allowed to run free almost everywhere here. However, there are areas where the dog must be leashed, so keep this in mind. These are actually two special nature reserves close to each other. The area De Zaag is named after the old sawmill that used to stand here. The area has been completely renovated and is now great for dog walking. The Stormpoldervloedbos is actually a very special piece of the Netherlands. Because the forest is surrounded by water, the kingfisher and the beaver are welcome guests here. In winter, the area can flood because of spring tides (during extreme weather). So beware! Because of the fresh water tide, paths are flooded. Something that is rare in Europe!

Credits photos: www.canva.com