Vellertdijk, Van Manenspad, Zuidweg, poppenalle and Hovenpad Loop

This is a big, low-relief Dutch “dike-and-lanes” loop: roughly 138 km / 86 miles with only about 100 m / 330 ft of total ascent. Expect long, fast miles on paved farm roads, dike tops, and straight tree-lined lanes, broken up by villages, canals, and open polder views. Because the elevation gain is tiny, the real difficulty comes from distance, wind exposure, and foot comfort on hard surfaces rather than climbing.

Where the route sits (and what “near” likely means)

Several of the named segments—especially Poppenallee—are strongly associated with Dalfsen (Overijssel, Netherlands), where Poppenallee is a known road/avenue. (routiq.com)
Without a precise lon/lat from you, the most practical “nearest known address/landmark” to use as a start anchor is:

• Dalfsen railway station area (Stationsweg, 7722HA, Dalfsen) and the nearby Poppenallee (7721AG, Dalfsen) as a recognizable on-the-ground reference point for meeting, parking, and resupply. (routiq.com)
  

If you share the actual coordinates for the trailhead, I can convert them to the closest named place/address more accurately.

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

By public transport (Netherlands): - Aim for Dalfsen Station (regional rail connections in Overijssel). From the station area, you can walk a few minutes to the road network that includes Stationsweg and Poppenallee, which are commonly used as route waypoints. (routiq.com)

By car: - Navigate to Dalfsen Station / Stationsweg (7722HA, Dalfsen) and park in the vicinity where permitted. This is a convenient “hard landmark” with straightforward access to the surrounding lanes and dikes. (routiq.com)

What the walking feels like, kilometer by kilometer

Because this is a long loop, most hikers will either: - split it into 2–4 days (common for 138 km), or
- treat it as an ultra-distance day with very early start and strict pacing.

A useful way to picture the day-to-day rhythm:

• 0–20 km (0–12 mi): Settling into the cadence on quiet roads and lanes. You’ll likely be on hard, flat surfaces early—great for speed, but it can punish feet if your shoes are too firm or your socks run hot.
• 20–60 km (12–37 mi): The landscape opens into classic polder geometry—straight lines, drainage canals, and big skies. Wind becomes the “hill.” If it’s breezy, plan your layers so you can vent without stopping.
• 60–100 km (37–62 mi): This is where monotony can creep in: long, ruler-straight stretches with little elevation change. Break it mentally by navigating “micro-targets” (next bridge, next farm cluster, next village edge) using HiiKER.
• 100–138 km (62–86 mi): The final third is usually about joint management (ankles, knees, hips) and blister prevention. If you’re doing it in one push, schedule short shoe-off breaks before problems start.

Navigation (keep it simple)

This kind of countryside loop often has many similar-looking junctions—parallel roads, repeated canal crossings, and multiple dike options. Use HiiKER to: - confirm you’re on the correct side of a canal after each bridge, - avoid accidental “shortcut” turns that look equivalent on the ground, - keep an eye on distance-to-next-settlement for water/food timing.

Terrain, surfaces, and what to watch for

Underfoot - Predominantly pavement/asphalt with sections of farm track and occasional softer verges. - Hard surfaces over 86 miles can cause metatarsal soreness and heel bruising. Consider slightly more cushioned footwear than you’d use for a short day hike.

Road walking safety - Many rural Dutch roads are narrow with limited shoulders. Expect: - cyclists moving quickly, - farm vehicles (tractors) that take the full lane, - occasional blind corners where dikes or hedges block sightlines. - Wear something visible in dull weather and keep to predictable lines.

Weather exposure - With minimal tree cover in polder sections, you’re exposed to: - wind chill even on mild days, - strong sun reflection off water and pale pavement. - Bring a wind layer and sun protection even if the forecast looks “easy.”

Landmarks, landscape character, and nature

This route name list (dijk + pad + weg + allee) strongly suggests a landscape built around water management: - Dikes (dijk): raised embankments that double as walking lines and viewpoints.

- Canals/ditches: constant companions; you’ll cross them via small bridges and culverts.