Bikepacking Weekenders: Netherlands unpaved

When the weekend comes around, it’s time to hop on your bike and go adventuring. In the Netherlands, you can find countless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature for a long weekend. From hilly gravel trails in South Limburg, impressive straight tracks through the meadows of North Holland, forest paths through the dolmens tombs built by the Drenthe thousands of years ago, to sandy tracks through the Achterhoek region – this Collection has all the ingredients for a great bikepacking weekend.

Each route in this Collection has its own character. "Bikepacking weekend - Kop van Noord-Holland" takes you along unpaved paths through the vast empty landscapes of Noord-Holland. On this varied route, you also explore the west coast and cross to the island of Texel. The Tour "Bikepacking weekend - Drenthe" guides you through the Drenthe’s prehistoric past and through the colourful heathlands of the Balloërveld. If you enjoy climbing, you will feel at home in the Limburg hills. On the route "Bikepacking weekend - South Limburg", you will climb the unpaved version of the legendary Keutenberg and Cauberg climbs, which are part of the Amstel Gold Race. Finally, on "Bikepacking weekend - Achterhoek" you'll pedal hard on sandy roads. Your slower pace here will help you to enjoy the wonderful nature of the Achterhoek.

Each weekend is around 124 miles (200 km) and can be divided into different lengths to suit you. If you are in good shape, you can ride the routes in two days. Or, you may prefer to spread the distance over several days to enjoy longer in the beautiful regions.

Tips to help you plan your bikepacking adventure in the Netherlands:

- The rides in this Collection lead over unpaved roads such as gravel and rocky paths and dirt tracks. You will need a mountain, gravel or touring bike with tyres that are at least 32 mm thick. The roads can become muddy after rain and you can expect to encounter sand after a long dry spell. Keep an eye on the conditions before you start to adapt your bike accordingly.

- Wild camping is forbidden and your own risk. The Staatsbosbeheer campsites are also closed at the moment. You will find advice for camping in the stage descriptions. It’s always worth knocking on a farmer’s door to ask permission to camp. There are also plenty of B&Bs available in each region which offer even more comfort.

- You will find plenty of food and drink en route, but always make sure you have your own stash of snacks.

- All routes start at a train station or Park and Ride (P+R). If you come by car, park at the indicated P+R or at the beginning of the routes.