Groene Maredijk, Spoorpad and Leidse Hout Loop

Starting from the leafy outskirts of Leiden, this 17 km (about 10.5 miles) loop offers a gentle, flat walk with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for most walkers. The trailhead is conveniently located near Leiden Central Station, a major transport hub, so arriving by train from Amsterdam, The Hague, or Rotterdam is straightforward. For those driving, parking is available at the Haagweg car park, with frequent shuttle buses to the city center.

Urban Greenways and Historic Waterways

The route begins by weaving through the Groene Maredijk, a green corridor that follows the old towpath along the Mare River. This section is lined with willows and poplars, and in spring and summer, the banks are alive with wildflowers and waterfowl. The Mare itself has played a key role in Leiden’s history, once serving as a vital waterway for trade and transport. At around 3 km (1.9 miles), you’ll pass close to the historic Molen de Valk, a 18th-century windmill that now houses a museum.

Spoorpad: Railways and Urban Nature

Continuing onto the Spoorpad, the trail parallels the railway line, offering glimpses of Leiden’s urban landscape interspersed with pockets of green. This section is popular with cyclists and runners, so be mindful of sharing the path. At about 7 km (4.3 miles), you’ll cross under the railway via a pedestrian tunnel, emerging into quieter residential neighborhoods. Look out for the old railway signal boxes, remnants of the area’s industrial past.

Leidse Hout: Woodland and Wildlife

The loop’s highlight is the passage through Leidse Hout, a 20th-century city park designed in the English landscape style. At roughly 10 km (6.2 miles), you’ll enter this tranquil woodland, where broad paths wind beneath mature oaks and beeches. The park is home to a variety of birdlife, including woodpeckers, jays, and tawny owls. In the spring, carpets of bluebells and wild garlic add color and fragrance. There’s a deer enclosure and a charming tea house, perfect for a rest stop.

Navigation and Practical Tips

The entire loop is well-marked, but for precise navigation and to explore side trails, use HiiKER, which provides up-to-date maps and trail information. The terrain is mostly paved or hard-packed gravel, suitable for walking shoes or trainers. There are several benches and picnic spots along the way, especially in Leidse Hout and along the Mare. Public toilets are available in the park and at Leiden Central Station.

Historical and Cultural Points

Leiden is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and the route passes close to several points of interest, including the Hortus Botanicus (one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world) and the Singelpark, a green belt encircling the old city. The area around the Mare and the Spoorpad reflects the city’s growth from a medieval trading hub to a modern university town.

This loop is ideal for those seeking a relaxed walk through a blend of urban and natural landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Leiden’s rich history and vibrant green spaces.