De Dreef, De Zoom, Paardenbosch, Hollandsche Rading and Loosdrechtsche Plassen Loop

This is a long, mostly flat, lowland loop of roughly 70 km (43.5 miles) with ~0 m / ~0 ft of climbing overall—ideal for strong walkers who want an “easy” profile but should still plan for a full day on foot (or a relaxed two-day outing). Expect a mix of woodland lanes, sandy forest tracks, heath edges, village paths, and long waterside stretches around the Loosdrechtse Plassen lake district. Underfoot is generally forgiving, but after rain the peat-and-clay sections near the lakes can turn slick, and some forest segments can be soft sand.

Because your start point is listed only as “near” (no coordinates provided), the most practical, well-connected place to begin this loop is around Hollandsche Rading—a small settlement with a rail stop and direct access to the surrounding woods and lake country. A sensible “nearest known landmark” start is Hollandsche Rading railway station (Station Hollandsche Rading), which sits right on the edge of the forested area between Hilversum and Utrecht.

Getting to the start (public transport + car)

• By train: Use Dutch Rail (NS) to reach Station Hollandsche Rading (commonly via Utrecht Centraal or Hilversum depending on your approach). From the platforms you can step straight onto quiet local roads and forest access tracks within minutes.
• By car: Aim for parking near Station Hollandsche Rading or nearby roadside pull-ins at forest access points. Arrive early—weekends can be busy with local walkers and cyclists, and informal parking fills quickly.

Plan water and food carefully: you’ll pass villages and lakeside hospitality, but there can be long quiet stretches where you’ll want your own supplies. For navigation, load the full loop on HiiKER and download it for offline use—this area has many intersecting tracks where it’s easy to drift onto a parallel path.

You’ll likely break the day into natural “quarters”:

Forest and estate edges (0–18 km / 0–11 miles)

The opening section is typically the most sheltered: mixed woodland (oak, beech, pine) with straight forestry lines and occasional sandy bends. The names in your route—De Dreef and De Zoom—fit the feel of classic Dutch estate/forest infrastructure: long “drives” and boundary rides that were historically used for timber management, hunting access, and estate travel. Even without hills, the walking can feel rhythmic and steady here.

What to expect underfoot - Firm compacted paths alternating with soft sand in drier pine sections. - After wet weather, expect puddling in low spots; waterproof shoes help more than ankle support on this terrain.

Nature and wildlife - Birdlife is a highlight: great spotted woodpeckers, jays, and songbirds in the canopy; in quieter corners you may hear buzzards overhead. - In the Netherlands’ forest-heath mosaics, it’s common to encounter roe deer at dawn/dusk along track edges. Keep dogs close if you’re walking with one.

Look out for - Fast cyclists on shared forest lanes—stay predictable on corners. - Tick exposure in grassy margins; long socks and a quick check at breaks are worthwhile.

Paardenbosch to the lake district transition (18–35 km / 11–21.7 miles)

As you move toward Paardenbosch (literally “horse forest”), the character often shifts to a more open, airy woodland with riding paths, wider sandy tracks, and occasional clearings. This is where the “easy” rating can feel deceptive: not because of elevation, but because distance + sand can quietly tax legs.

You’ll begin to notice more signs of the Dutch water landscape—ditches, drainage channels, and the subtle engineering that keeps the land workable. Historically, this whole region has been shaped by peat extraction and water management. The Loosdrecht area in particular is closely tied to peat cutting: over centuries, excavations and flooding helped create the watery patchwork that later became the Loosdrechtsche Plassen.

Landmarks and cultural texture - Expect small bridges, straight drainage lines, and occasional farm edges—features that reflect centuries of poldering, drainage, and land-use planning. - As you near settlements, you’ll see more canalside homes and boat infrastructure, especially approaching the plassen.

Practical planning - This is a good window (around 25–30 km / 15.5–18.6 miles) to schedule a longer break. If you’re doing the full 70 km in one push, plan at least one substantial stop here to reset feet and calories.

Loosdrechtsche Plassen: big skies, water edges, and wind (35–58 km / 21.7–36 miles)

The Loosdrechtsche Plassen section is the visual payoff: broad water, reedbeds, and a sense of openness that contrasts sharply with the earlier forest. Even on a calm day, the lakes can generate breezes that make exposed paths feel cooler than expected—pack a light wind layer even if the forecast looks mild.

What to expect - Long, level stretches on dikes, waterside paths, and quiet lanes. - Occasional narrow sections where you’ll share space with cyclists and local foot traffic. - Depending on the exact line of your loop, you may pass viewpoints over reedbeds and open water where you can spot waterfowl.

**Wildlife