Somerensche, Lieropsche and Strabrechtsche Heide Loop

Starting from the outskirts of Someren, a small town in North Brabant, the Somerensche, Lieropsche and Strabrechtsche Heide Loop offers a gentle 20 km (about 12.4 miles) circuit through some of the Netherlands’ most expansive heathlands. The trailhead is conveniently located near the Someren-Heide area, with the nearest significant landmark being the Someren-Heide village center. For those arriving by public transport, buses from Eindhoven and Helmond stop at Someren-Heide, from where it’s a short walk to the start. Drivers can park at the main car park near the Someren-Heide sports fields, which is well signposted.

Trail Overview and Navigation

This loop is almost entirely flat, with negligible elevation gain—less than a meter (about 3 feet) over the entire route—making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. The path is well-marked, but for added confidence, HiiKER provides detailed offline maps and GPS navigation, ensuring you stay on track through the open heath and forested sections.

Heathlands and Forests

The route traverses three major heathland reserves: Somerensche Heide, Lieropsche Heide, and Strabrechtsche Heide. These areas are characterized by wide, sandy paths bordered by purple heather in late summer, interspersed with pine and birch woodlands. The landscape is open and windswept, with occasional stands of Scots pine and silver birch providing shade. At around 6 km (3.7 miles), you’ll enter the heart of the Strabrechtsche Heide, the largest of the three reserves, where the horizon opens up and the sense of space is striking.

Wildlife and Nature

Birdwatchers will find this loop rewarding, especially in spring and early summer. The heathlands are home to skylarks, stonechats, and the rare nightjar, while the wetter patches attract frogs and dragonflies. Roe deer are sometimes seen at dawn or dusk, and the sandy soils are dotted with anthills and rabbit burrows. The area is also known for its diverse butterfly population, particularly in sunny weather.

Historical and Cultural Highlights

The heathlands have a long history of human use, from prehistoric settlements to medieval grazing grounds. At approximately 12 km (7.5 miles), the route skirts the edge of the ancient hamlet of Lierop, where you can see traditional Brabant farmhouses and, if you detour slightly, the historic St. Antonius Abt Church, dating back to the 15th century. The landscape itself tells a story of centuries of peat cutting, grazing, and rewilding, with old boundary stones occasionally visible along the path.

Facilities and Practical Tips

There are several picnic spots along the route, particularly near the forest edges and at the transition points between heath and woodland. Water sources are limited, so bring enough for the day. The sandy paths can be soft after dry weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended. In wet conditions, some sections may be muddy but are generally passable year-round.

For navigation, HiiKER is the recommended tool, offering up-to-date trail information and offline maps. Mobile signal is generally good, but downloading maps in advance is wise.

The Somerensche, Lieropsche and Strabrechtsche Heide Loop is a peaceful, easy walk through a landscape shaped by both nature and history, ideal for those seeking tranquility and wide-open Dutch skies.