It's that time again, the holidays are just around the corner. The perfect moment to spend time with family, friends and of course your four-legged friend(s). We are already counting down the days here and are already looking forward to winter walks with mulled wine, tea or a hot chocolate. To get you in the mood, we share here a few nice dog-friendly walking routes through the Netherlands.
1. South Holland - Wassenaarse Slag
On Wassenaar beach, dogs are allowed to run free all year round to the north and south of the bathing beach - yes! Our favorite route starts from the Kuil car park. This is the largest and most popular dog route and runs through the Berkheide dune area. Please note: dogs must be kept on a leash between March 1 and August 1). Fancy a nice hot chocolate or mulled wine after your walk? Then go to Brasserie de Badmeester. They are open almost all year round.
2. North Holland - Groenendaal Heemstede
Fancy a nice walk in the woods? Then go to Groenendaal Estate in Heemstede. This is a fantastic walking forest with beautiful old trees and wide avenues. North of Sparrenlaan, dogs, just like Scottish Highlanders, are allowed to run free within the swinging gates. Would you like to have a nice lunch after walking? Then go to the Restaurant Landgoed Groenendaal. Here you will have lunch in a monumental coach house.
3. North Brabant Loonse en Drunense Duinen
The Loonse en Drunense Duinen is a true paradise for nature lovers. This beautiful area is very popular among people with dogs, because it has a large off-leash area of +/- 4 km. Our favorite off-leash area starts just after café de Roestelberg. You can park your car here and from the parking lot you can walk straight onto the sandy plain. Exhausted? After your walk you can of course go to café de Roestelberg.
4. Limburg - Meinweg National Park
If you live in Limburg or you happen to be in the area, don't forget to stop at De Meinweg National Park. A park full of beautiful forests, streams and heathlands. Perfect for a wonderful winter walk with your dog. The park even has two off-leash areas where your dog does not have to be on a leash all year round (provided it is under apple). For the Melickerheide off-leash area (55 ha) it is best to park at the Melickerbosweg parking lot in Roermond. For the other off-leash area (Zandbergen), park your car at Meinweg 2. Here you can enjoy a nice drink afterwards at the dog-friendly brasserie, De Boshut.
5. Gelderland - Harskamp / Ede (Veluwe)
It is of course no news that you can enjoy walking in the Veluwe. Unfortunately, there are few off-leash areas to be found. After good research we found one, namely the off-leash area at Harskamp on the Veluwe. The area is fenced, allowing dogs to run and play safely. After walking you drive a short distance to De Waldhoorn in Otterlo. Here they have a lovely heated covered terrace with heaters, stoves and heated cushions. Wonderful to sit while enjoying a bock beer, mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Walking your dog off-leash is wonderful! But don't forget to adventure safely with Charlie & Jones. Personalize one of our collars, harnesses and leashes with your name and/or telephone number. Click here for the collection.