Now that autumn has really set in, gravel season is all the rage for many cyclists. What could be better than planning a gravel weekend in the Netherlands? Nice and close, plenty of new roads if you are used to road bikes and variety galore! The Netherlands is insane when it comes to adventurous gravel routes. Ok, admittedly, the routes in South Holland and Flevoland might leave something to be desired, but beyond that you can find some really great gravel routes! Here are five Gravel Regions in the Netherlands with routes where any gravel enthusiast will have the time of his life.
Text: Sander Kolsloot
1. The Veluwe: Natural Splendour
Is this the best gravel pitch in the Netherlands? Who will say. Not for nothing do many gravel enthusiasts like to go to the Kroondomein to ride there. Although closed from 15 September to 25 December, this is a crazy place for a gravel adventure. But also beyond that! Because the routes across the grounds of De Hoge Veluwe, or closer to Epe, are stunning. If you're still looking for inspiration for some great routes, we have a few in store for you!
- Gravel route across the Veluwe: exploring with Erwin Sikkens
- Digging across the Crown Estate: Shimano GRX-Series
2. The Utrechtse Heuvelrug: challenging height differences
I was born and raised in Utrecht. In the province, that is. With that, I have a fondness for the province and especially the Heuvelrug when it comes to gravel routes. Not only is the region around Soestdijk beautiful (Lage Vuursche, where a.o. WTSHNN is held), but also precisely the routes across the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The Harry Slingerparcours and the Let de Stigterpad will be familiar to many by now. Yet here you can gravel like a king (in) over the beautiful paths of the Heuvelrug. Want to get out and about? Then check out this route!
3. Limburg: hilly and historic
Whoever says Limburg naturally says South Limburg and the Cauberg. But for gravelling, Limburg may be just as beautiful. Ask Leandra, who with her #GeileStrecke created the ultimate route through Limburg. In addition, you will find on the platform 'Land of Gravel and Sand' a host of stunning routes in central and northern Limburg. In other words, if you think Limburg is just the Amstel Gold Race, you'll have to think again. Here are some great options.
- Gravel in Central Limburg - Land of Gravel and Sand
- Gravel in Limburg: Same Limburg, different world
4. Brabantse Wal: Hidden Pearls
The Brabantse Wal, where the Netherlands slowly rises from the flat polders, is a region often overlooked. The region offers a wonderful mix of forests, lakes (fens) and dirt roads, perfect for a varied gravel route. Explorer Nynke explored it once before, but then didn't quite make it around the Kalmthoutse Heide. Perhaps the Gravel Challenge from TC de Grensrijders something more logical?
5. Drenthe: ancient paths and dolmens
Drenthe, known for its dolmens, is also a fantastic gravel destination. The province has an extensive cycling route network, but there is certainly a lot of beauty for gravel lovers too. In the forests near Gieten, for example. Or perhaps a beautiful route along all the Hunebedden (the Hunebed highway is mostly paved, but beautiful alternatives abound!
Looking for further tips? We have under the heading GRAVEL a whole bunch of great routes and tips are listed for unpaved cycling.
