Papenvoortsche Heide, De Hoop and Vresselsbos Loop

This is a big, low-relief endurance loop of roughly 62 km / 38.5 mi with very little elevation gain (about 0 m / 0 ft overall), linking a string of sandy heath-and-pine landscapes east and north of Eindhoven: Papenvoortse Heide (near Nuenen), across to the Vresselse Bossen (near Sint-Oedenrode/Nijnsel), and through quieter agricultural edges and small woods that locals often refer to by area names such as “De Hoop.” Expect long, fast miles on a mix of forest tracks, sandy paths, and some connecting lanes—easy on the lungs, demanding on the feet.

Getting to the start (and what “near” usually means here)

Most hikers start this loop from the Papenvoortse Heide / Buijsmansven area in Nuenen—a practical landmark used for guided walks and meet-ups. (ivn.nl)
- By car: Aim for the Buijsmansven (Nuenen) area and nearby forest access points; parking is typically at small pull-ins/forest lots rather than a single large trailhead.
- By public transport: The easiest approach is usually via Eindhoven (major rail hub), then a bus toward Nuenen and a short walk/taxi to the Buijsmansven/Papenvoortse Heide access. (Exact bus lines change—check current schedules before you commit.)

If you’re navigating the full 62 km, load the route in HiiKER and keep it handy for the connector sections where paths and signage can be inconsistent.

What the terrain feels like (and why “easy” still needs planning)

Although the profile is flat, the underfoot conditions vary: - Sandy heath edges and pine forest soils can be soft and energy-sapping, especially in dry spells. - Forest roads and compact tracks let you cruise, but can feel repetitive over ultra-distance. - After rain, some low areas near fens and drainage lines can turn muddy or waterlogged, so waterproof socks or quick-draining trail shoes can make a big difference.

Plan your day like a long-distance walk: steady pacing, frequent small calories, and foot care (tape hot spots early). For most hikers, 62 km / 38.5 mi is an all-day effort (or an intentional dawn-to-dusk push).

Papenvoortse Heide: heath remnants, transitioning woodland, and seasonal highlights

The Papenvoortse Heide area is not just “heath”—it’s a managed mosaic of woodland and open patches. In recent years, parts have been shifting from more production-style forest toward a more natural, diverse woodland structure, including removal of non-native species and planting of native broadleaf trees. (nuenen.nl)
What that means on the ground: - You may pass active forestry zones (or recently worked areas) with stacked timber, widened tracks, and temporary diversions. - Visibility can open up where canopy has been thinned—good for spotting birds and edge wildlife. - Late summer into early autumn can bring mushrooms and changing leaf color; local nature groups specifically use this area for seasonal walks focused on those transitions. (ivn.nl)

Wildlife to watch for here and along the loop: common Dutch woodland/heath species—roe deer, fox, rabbits, and a strong mix of songbirds. In quieter moments you’ll often hear woodpeckers and see raptors working the forest edges.

The long connector miles: staying efficient between nature blocks

Between the main nature areas, expect stretches that feel more like “linking corridors” than continuous wilderness. These are the miles where: - Navigation discipline matters most (don’t assume every junction is signed). - You’ll want to manage water and resupply—villages on the periphery can be your best chance to top up bottles, grab food, or take a short indoor break if weather turns.

If you’re doing this as a single-day