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1
introductory
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£1110 GBP

8 Days£1054GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: NLB

Trip highlights

  • Visit centuries-old castles and historic landmarks including Slangenburg Castle and the ruins of Genneperhuis
  • Discover historic towns and welcoming villages including Vorden, Groesbeek, Gennep and ’s-Heerenberg
  • Follow rivers, dunes and wooded hills along the Maas and Nijmegen moraine

The Pieterpad is the Netherlands’ most famous long distance walking trail, stretching roughly 500km/311mi from the northern village of Pieterburen to Sint-Pietersberg near Maastricht in the south. It was created in the late 1970s by two Dutch friends, Toos Goorhuis-Tjalsma and Bertje Jens, who wanted to design a continuous walking route that would cross the entire country while avoiding busy roads. The first section opened in 1983, and the trail gradually expanded into a complete north to south journey linking quiet farmland, forests, heathlands, river valleys and historic villages. Today it is the Netherlands’ best known walking route, maintained by the Pieterpad Foundation and walked by thousands each year, offering a rewarding way to experience the country’s changing landscapes and local culture on foot.

Starting in the charming village of Vorden, this section of the trail takes you on a varied walk through the scenic landscapes of the eastern Netherlands. You’ll follow quiet paths through the wooded hills of Montferland, across river plains and through the rolling countryside of the Achterhoek, discovering historic castles, lively towns and nature reserves along the way. Highlights include views from the Nijmegen moraine, the forests of Sint Jansberg and the sweeping river dunes of De Maasduinen National Park. With welcoming villages, historic landmarks and ever-changing scenery, this walk offers a relaxed way to experience the culture and natural beauty of the Dutch countryside.

Countries:

The Netherlands

Starting Point:

Vorden

Finishing Point:

Vierlingsbeek

Itinerary

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Arrive in the charming village of Vorden, known for its historic castle and relaxed rural atmosphere. After settling into your accommodation, you may wish to visit nearby Vorden Castle or take a short train ride to the historic town of Zutphen, well worth exploring for its medieval streets and riverside setting.

Meals:  Nil

Your first walk begins just outside Vorden, passing the impressive local castle before crossing the Vorden brook. Along the route you join part of the famous Pieterpad trail and pass a monument dedicated to the trail’s female creators. The walk continues through the varied landscapes of the Kieftskamp estate and the small village of Linde. You then head toward the historic estate of ’t Zelle before reaching Zelhem, walking through the forested area of ’t Zand, once known for its shifting sand dunes. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B

Today’s walk leads through the peaceful countryside of the Heidenhoek. Along the way you’ll see the distinctive Silo Tower, sometimes called the “Cathedral”. Continue to the historic Slangenburg Castle, dating back to the 14th century. The route then crosses the Oude IJssel river, once important for the region’s iron industry, before continuing through rural landscapes to the village of Braamt, recognised by its traditional windmill. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B

This stage takes you into the Montferland region near the German border, an area known for its forested hills and wide views. Walk through the Bergher Forest and climb Hulzenberg (83m/272 ft), where an observation tower offers sweeping views across the landscape. The route continues through Hoch-Elten before entering the wetlands of the Gelderse Poort nature area. Your day ends in Tolkamer, where you take a ferry across the Waal River to reach Millingen aan de Rijn. Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Meals:  B

Begin the day walking through the flat floodplain landscape known as the Duffelt. Near the village of Leuth you pass Plezenburg, a historic terp farm dating from 1810. The route then gradually climbs the wooded hills of the Nijmegen moraine, including Duivelsberg (76m/249ft). At the summit you’ll find remains of the medieval Mergelp castle and enjoy views across the Ooypolder floodplains before continuing through rolling countryside to the wine village of Groesbeek. This afternoon or tomorrow morning, you may wish to visit the Canadian war cemetery. Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals:  B

Today’s walk takes you through Groesbeek Forest as you cross from the province of Gelderland into Limburg. Continue through the scenic Sint Jansberg nature reserve, following winding trails past lakes, ponds and hedged fields. Near the town of Gennep you reach the historic site of Genneperhuis, once a strategically important fortress where the Niers and Maas rivers meet. Spend the evening exploring Gennep’s historic centre and market square. Distance: 15km/9.3mi

Meals:  B

Leaving Gennep, the trail follows the dike along the Niers River, leading you toward the forests near Heijen. Soon the route enters Maasduinen National Park, a distinctive landscape of river dunes formed over thousands of years by the shifting forces of wind and water. As you walk through this natural area, you pass a series of reflective ponds and heathland lakes, including the tranquil Quin, which adds to the park’s peaceful atmosphere. The trail then brings you to the village of Afferden, where you cross the Maas River by ferry, offering lovely views across one of the Netherlands’ great rivers. On the opposite bank, a final stretch through the gentle Groeningen hills leads you to Vierlingsbeek in the province of North Brabant. This small riverside village has long been an important crossing point along the Maas and today offers a welcoming place to end your walk, with a handful of cafés and traditional Dutch village charm. Distance: 20km/12.4mi

Meals:  B

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 7 nights in hotels or B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps & GPX tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 15kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Vorden and from Vierlingsbeek
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers, taxis or trains
  • Excess luggage
  • Hotel taxes may apply - these are payable locally and range from €1-€3 per person per night
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Hotels & B&B's

Accommodation for 8 nights is in a combination of hotels & countryside B&B's. Rooms have ensuite facilities and some may also have a restaurant or bar.

Trail Surface

Walking Path

Much of the route follows quiet country lanes, forest tracks and riverside paths as you travel through the green landscapes of the Achterhoek and into North Limburg. You’ll cross farmland, wander through vast forests and nature reserves, and occasionally climb low hills such as those in the Montferland and the Nijmegen moraine, where short ascents reward you with wide views across river plains and polders. A highlight is the walk through Maasduinen National Park, where rolling river dunes and sandy trails add a distinctive change of scenery to an otherwise softly undulating landscape.

Suitability

introductory

1

GRADE 1 - daily walks are around 4 - 6 hours and between 12 and 24km/7.4 and 14.9mi. The trail is well defined and is typically flat, taking in the wide pan-flat plains of the north. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily 1 Jan to 31 Dec

Notes

DN1
Walking in winter is possible, though you need to be mindful of shorter days, potential snow conditions, cold temperatures and changeable weather.

Priceper person from

£1054GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Lunch package: days 2 - 8GBP£60
  • Single supplementGBP£450
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£480
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.