Oersebaan, Welschappad and Eindhovensedijk Loop

This is a long, flat, lowland loop of roughly 51 km / 31.7 mi with essentially 0 m / 0 ft of climbing, linking quiet dike-roads, multi-use paths, and open countryside on the northwest side of Eindhoven toward Oirschot. Expect a steady, rhythmic day rather than a “big view” hike: long straightaways, wide skies, canals and drainage ditches, farm edges, and frequent bike traffic on the better-known corridor sections.

A practical “anchor” for the start/finish (since the hike head wasn’t specified) is the Welschap area by Eindhoven Airport, where access is straightforward and landmarks are obvious. A reliable nearby landmark/address to navigate to is Golfbaan Welschap, Welschapsedijk 166, Eindhoven. (waze.com)

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

• By car: Aim for the Welschap/Eindhoven Airport zone and park in official lots around the airport or at nearby facilities (choose based on your start point and whether you want a true loop back to the same spot). The area is well signed for airport access.
• By public transport: The simplest hub is Eindhoven Centraal (main station). From there, frequent airport buses run to Eindhoven Airport, putting you close to the Welschap-side paths and dike roads. (Exact line numbers and timetables change—check current options before you go.)

What the walking feels like (surface, pacing, and “flatland fatigue”)

Most of this loop is on paved or hard-packed multi-use paths and quiet roads—great for efficiency, but it can be tough on feet over 50+ km. Even with negligible elevation gain, the challenge is duration: - Plan for 8–12+ hours depending on pace and breaks. - Foot care matters: consider cushioned shoes, fresh socks, and blister prevention. - Wind is often the “hidden elevation” in this part of North Brabant—open stretches can feel harder than the profile suggests.

Key corridors and landmarks you’ll pass

A defining feature of this area is the developing Groene Corridor: a green, recreational connection between Eindhoven and Oirschot, designed as an attractive slow-traffic route through the landscape. (eindhoven.nl)
On corridor-like segments, expect: - Fast cyclists (including commuters) sharing the same ribbon of path - Long, straight alignments following older dike/road lines - Easy navigation but fewer “natural” wayfinding cues (everything can look similar)

As you arc toward Oirschot, one of the most prominent man-made landmarks in the wider area is the large military complex at Eindhovensedijk 42, Oirschot (Generaal-majoor De Ruyter van Steveninckkazerne). It’s a major presence along the Eindhovensedijk and a clear reference point if your loop touches that side. (defensiefotografie.nl)

Nature, scenery, and wildlife (what to look for)

This is a mosaic landscape: fields, hedgerows, small woodlots, and watercourses. You’ll often be walking beside: - Drainage ditches and canals (watch for steep, slippery edges—especially after rain) - Pastures and farm tracks (expect mud at access points even when the main path is dry) - Birdlife: waterfowl and meadow birds are common along wet edges; raptors are often seen hunting over open fields on breezy days

Because the route is so flat and open, wildlife viewing is usually about patience and scanning rather than stumbling into dense habitat.

Navigation (keep it simple, keep it current)

Because this loop strings together named lanes/paths (Oersebaan, Welschappad, Eindhovensedijk) and corridor segments, it’s easy to drift onto the “right-looking” parallel path and lose time. Use HiiKER to: - Load the full loop and keep an eye on parallel-track traps - Confirm junctions where a