Ossendrechtse Duinen, Groote Meer and Kleine Meer Loop

This is a low-stress, almost-flat sand-and-forest loop on the Brabantse Wal, linking the open dune/heath feel of the Ossendrechtse Duinen with two very different lakes: the broad, wind-exposed Groote Meer and the more intimate, fen-like Kleine Meer. Expect a steady rhythm of pine and mixed woodland, sandy tracks, occasional boardwalk/edge-of-water paths, and big “suddenly wide” views when the trees break at the water.

Because the route is ~14 km (about 8.7 miles) with roughly 0 m (0 ft) of climbing, the effort is mostly about footing (soft sand in places) and wind exposure around the open water rather than elevation.

Where the hike starts (nearest landmark/address) A common, practical start for linking these areas is by the Kleine Meer access point at the Natuurmonumenten management barn: Beheerschuur Natuurmonumenten, Abdijlaan 43a, 4641 RR Ossendrecht (Netherlands). ([ivn.nl](https://www.ivn.nl/afdeling/groene-zoom/natuuractiviteiten/excursie-kleine-meer/?utm_source=openai)) From there you can build the loop to Groote Meer and back through the dunes/woods.

Important timing note: Kleine Meer has had major restoration works with area closures (including routes and even the Abdijlaan car park at times). Closures were announced 28 July 2025 through March 2026 for safety and restoration. Check current on-the-ground signage and plan alternates in HiiKER before you go. ([grensparkkalmthoutseheide.com](https://grensparkkalmthoutseheide.com/en/nature-restoration-small-lake-hiking-trails-grebe-and-rabbit-closed/?utm_source=openai))

Getting to the start

By car - Navigate to Abdijlaan 43a, 4641 RR Ossendrecht (Beheerschuur Natuurmonumenten). ([ivn.nl](https://www.ivn.nl/afdeling/groene-zoom/natuuractiviteiten/excursie-kleine-meer/?utm_source=openai)) - If the Abdijlaan parking area is closed due to works, you’ll need to use an alternative legal parking area in/near Ossendrecht and walk in; confirm the best current option in HiiKER and with local signage. ([grensparkkalmthoutseheide.com](https://grensparkkalmthoutseheide.com/en/nature-restoration-small-lake-hiking-trails-grebe-and-rabbit-closed/?utm_source=openai))

By public transport - Aim for Ossendrecht village first (regional buses serve the area), then plan on a short approach walk or local taxi/bike to Abdijlaan. Public transport options can vary by day and operator, so it’s worth checking the current timetable for your travel date and then using HiiKER to map the last-mile walk.

What the route feels like underfoot - **Forest tracks and sandy lanes:** Much of the Brabantse Wal here is classic “cover-sand” terrain—wide, pale sand paths through pine and mixed woodland. After dry spells, some stretches can be **soft and energy-sapping**; after rain, the sand firms up but low spots can hold water near the fens. - **Open edges near the lakes:** Around Groote Meer and the more open fen margins, you can get **wind** and fewer landmarks—easy walking, but pay attention to junctions and keep HiiKER handy for quick confirmation.

Landmarks, nature, and wildlife to look for

Kleine Meer (fen, heath, and restoration landscape) Kleine Meer sits on the Dutch side of the cross-border heath landscape and is managed for sensitive fen/heath habitats. Restoration here has focused on retaining water, reversing old drainage, and improving heath and fen quality—work that reflects a long history of humans trying to “tame” wetland systems and modern efforts to bring them back. ([grensparkkalmthoutseheide.com](https://grensparkkalmthoutseheide.com/en/nature-restoration-small-lake-hiking-trails-grebe-and-rabbit-closed/?utm_source=openai)) When access is open, the standout moment is stepping out of the trees to a wide, bright water-and-sky view with waterbirds scattered across the surface. ([ivn.nl](https://www.ivn.nl/afdeling/groene-zoom/natuuractiviteiten/excursie-kleine-meer/?utm_source=openai))

Between Kleine Meer and Groote Meer (heath/woods mosaic) This middle portion is where the “Brabantse Wal variety” shows up: alternating conifer stands, mixed woodland, and more open sandy/heathy patches. The broader Brabantse Wal Natura 2000 landscape is known for dunes, heaths, fens, and forest in close proximity, which is exactly what you experience on a loop like this. ([brabant.nl](https://www.brabant.nl/actueel/nieuws/schapenbegrazing-brabantse-wal/?utm_source=openai))

Groote Meer (bigger water, bigger sky) Groote Meer is the more expansive-feeling lake. Even without hills, it can feel dramatic because the