Beekhuizerzand, Koopmansbosch and De Zandmolen Loop

This easy loop sits on the northwest Veluwe between Ermelo and Harderwijk, linking three very different landscapes in one day: open drifting sand at Beekhuizerzand, shaded pine-and-oak forest around Koopmansbosch/Leuvenumse Bos, and a classic Dutch windmill stop at De Zandmolen (Windmill “De Koe”) in Ermelo. Expect roughly 17 km / 10.6 mi with essentially flat walking—plan for about 0–50 m / 0–165 ft of gentle, rolling “micro-relief” rather than any real climbs (the Veluwe is low, but the sand can feel surprisingly energy-sapping).

Getting to the start (car + public transport) - **Best simple trailhead by car:** **P-Veluwe Poolseweg, Poolseweg 1, Ermelo**—a free Veluwe “starting point” parking area with information boards and quick access into the woods and toward the sand drift. ([veluwe.nl](https://veluwe.nl/en/location/p-veluwe-poolseweg/?utm_source=openai)) - **Public transport approach:** Aim for **Ermelo (rail station)**, then use local bus/taxi or a short bike ride to the Poolseweg area. Ermelo is a well-known Veluwe gateway town in Gelderland. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ermelo%2C_Netherlands?utm_source=openai)) - If you’re building the route in **HiiKER**, set your start near **Poolseweg 1, Ermelo** (or another signed Veluwe parking area on the forest edge) so you begin on firm paths before hitting the loose sand.

What the terrain feels like (and why “0 m gain” can still be tiring) Most of the loop is on wide forest tracks and narrower sandy footpaths. The “elevation gain ~0 m” rating is fair in the sense that there are no sustained hills, but the **drifting sand** section can slow your pace dramatically—each step can slide, and wind can reshape footprints quickly. In dry spells, the sand is loose and deep; after rain, it firms up and becomes much easier.

The walk, section by section (approximate distances) **0.0–3.0 km (0.0–1.9 mi): Forest approach from the trailhead** From the Poolseweg/Ermelo forest edge you’ll ease in on straight, well-drained Veluwe tracks through pine plantation and mixed woodland. This is classic Veluwe terrain: sandy soils, conifers, and occasional openings where heather and grasses take hold. It’s a good place to settle into a steady rhythm and check your HiiKER map for the best entry point into the open sand.

3.0–7.0 km (1.9–4.3 mi): Beekhuizerzand drifting-sand “mini desert” You’ll break out of the trees into the open Beekhuizerzand, a drifting-sand area of about 200 hectares that was actively restored back into open sand in the early 2000s by removing encroaching pines and topsoil so the sand could move again. ([en.veluwespecialist.nl](https://en.veluwespecialist.nl/point-of-interest/beekhuizerzand?utm_source=openai)) Here the landscape is wide and bright, with scattered “fly pines” and low scrub at the margins. On clear days, the openness gives long views and a real sense of space that’s rare in the Netherlands.

What to look for (nature + wildlife): - Sand specialists: lichens and reptiles such as sand lizards are characteristic of these habitats. ([birdingplaces.eu](https://www.birdingplaces.eu/nl/birdingplaces/netherlands/beekhuizerzand?utm_source=openai)) - Birdlife: this area is known for species that like open heath/sand mosaics—examples reported for the area include woodlark, skylark, yellowhammer, tree pipit, stonechat, nightjar, and in winter sometimes great grey shrike. ([birdingplaces.eu](https://www.birdingplaces.eu/nl/birdingplaces/netherlands/beekhuizerzand?utm_source=openai)) - Along the edges, you may also spot ravens and other woodland birds moving between forest