Spanderswoud, Bussumerheide and Trompenburgh Loop

This is a long, almost perfectly flat Gooi landscape loop of about 26 km / 16.2 mi with roughly 0 m / 0 ft of climbing—easy on the legs, but it can feel “big” because you’ll be moving through three distinct environments: estate lanes and canals near ’s‑Graveland, mixed woodland in Spanderswoud, and open heath on the Bussumerheide. Underfoot you’ll alternate between paved estate roads, compact forest paths, and wide sandy heath tracks; after rain, expect muddy patches and puddled low spots in the woods and along shaded lanes.

A practical start landmark is Buitenplaats Trompenburgh, Zuidereinde 43, 1244 KK ’s‑Graveland (North Holland)—a well-known, easy-to-find point on the edge of the ’s‑Graveland estate zone. (trompenburgh.nl)

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

• By car: Navigate to Zuidereinde 43, ’s‑Graveland (Trompenburgh). Parking availability can vary by day/event, so it’s smart to have a backup in mind along the Zuidereinde/estate area and then walk a few minutes to the gate area.
• By public transport: The closest rail hubs are typically Hilversum and Bussum/Naarden-Bussum; from there you can use local buses toward ’s‑Graveland and walk the last stretch to Zuidereinde. If you want the cleanest door-to-trail plan for the day you’re going, build the route in HiiKER and cross-check with the Dutch transit planner for the specific departure times.

What the route feels like, section by section

0–6 km / 0–3.7 mi: ’s‑Graveland estates and waterlines (very flat, firm surfaces)
You begin in the cultivated “buitenplaatsen” landscape—straight lanes, clipped edges, and water everywhere. Trompenburgh itself is a standout landmark: a 17th‑century Dutch Baroque manor associated with Admiral Cornelis Tromp, built to evoke a ship and set almost entirely within surrounding water. (en.wikipedia.org)
This opening stretch is ideal for settling into pace: surfaces are usually firm, and navigation is straightforward, but watch for cyclists on shared estate roads and for slick brick/stone near bridges and damp shaded corners.

6–14 km / 3.7–8.7 mi: Spanderswoud woodland (soft paths, roots, seasonal mud)
The character shifts into the Spanderswoud, a forest managed toward a more natural structure since the early 1980s—meaning you’ll notice standing and fallen deadwood left in place, which boosts habitat value and also creates a more “wild” feel than a manicured park. (gnr.nl)
Expect: - Rooty singletrack and leaf litter that can hide uneven ground. - A strong chance of mushrooms/fungi in the right seasons (great for photos; don’t forage unless you’re confident and it’s permitted). - Birdlife is a highlight here; the reserve notes a rich woodland bird community (and old beech stands that can shelter bats). (gnr.nl)

If you’re hiking in spring/early summer, be especially mindful of nesting season rules for dogs (leash requirements can change by zone and time of year). (gnr.nl)

The crossing that makes this loop special: Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo

~14–16 km / ~8.7–9.9 mi: the ecoduct (open, exposed, wildlife corridor)
One of the most memorable moments is the Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo, an ~800 m / 0.5 mi long wildlife bridge linking Spanderswoud and the Bussumerheide. (wandelweb.nl)
It’s designed primarily for animals, so treat it like a quiet zone: keep voices down, stay on the path, and don’t block the corridor. Reports commonly mention wildlife such as roe deer and fox using the crossing. (wandelweb.nl)
Because it’s open and elevated relative to the surrounding infrastructure, it can feel windy and cooler than the forest—pack a light layer even on mild days.

16–24 km / 9.9–14.9 mi: Bussumerheide (wide views, sand, heather, grazing)
Once you step onto the heath, the horizon opens up. The walking becomes simpler to follow—broad sandy tracks and open sightlines—but the