Loonse and Drunense Dunes: Sunny winter

If there is one place in Brabant, If that’s where many outdoor enthusiasts go, then that’s the dunes near Drunen. This beautiful dune area is perfect for a nice walk. It’s also an inviting place for cyclists, with beautiful trails, beautiful nature, and also some nice variety. That you don’t necessarily have to be in a car to enjoy it is also a big plus. Brabant You don’t have to live there to cycle there; that seems logical. We drove from Zilverstad Schoonhoven to this nature reserve. A cycling route with a golden edge. The weather was beautiful and despite the relative crowds in and around the dunes, it was pure enjoyment. A wonderful cycling destination in the Brabant region: the Loonse and Drunense dunes, that is. Read on and join us!

By ferry

Silver City Schoonhoven shines brightly along the Lek as I park the car in front of Ruben's house. Today is our starting point for a beautiful 100-kilometer round trip to the Loonse and Drunense Dunes. It promises to be a beautiful ride, because despite the time of year, it's winter; the sun shines brightly. In fact, I even counted on a short stretch! Crazy. We get ready with a good cup of coffee and while Ruben puts his beautiful set of wheels together, I get ready too. Looking at the route map, we have to cross two major rivers first. First the Lek and then the Merwede. The first crossing is by ferry, so we'll start slowly.

Friendly talks

We turn and head back into the town, then at the ferry we encounter the first other ‘sun worshipers’. Friendliness is exchanged and there is a lot of demand for the wheels by Ruben. After the ferry has taken us across, we really get started. The wind is still slightly to the right in the first part, so it’s a bit of a struggle at first. The sun is doing a lot of good and we roll along nicely through the fields. We initially head towards Gorinchem. We pass places like Pinkeveer, Peursum and Schelluinen. Eventually we turn around along the A27 and over the Merwede and so we drive into Brabant.

Loevestein in sight

We turn sharply left at the bottom of the bridge and follow the water line for a few kilometers. We drive towards the beautiful castle of Loevesteijn, which is always worth stopping by. However, this time we drive on nicely, although: due to a small navigational error, we have to take a detour here. We drive through the region of Heusden and Altena. It is actually beautiful here. After about 40 kilometers, when we have driven through a number of villages, we stop on the side for a Corona-proof coffee break.

The Loonse and Drunense Dunes

Just before turning towards the halfway point we pass the nature reserve of the Loonse and Drunense Dunes The dunes in the interior of the Netherlands are simply stunning. There are several of these types of dunes, such as those at Harderwijk and the Dwingelderveld, but the Soester dunes are also well known. The great advantage of this area is that despite the crowds, it is still pleasant to cycle there. The main reason for this is the relatively wide bike paths. Occasionally we still have to avoid a lost hiker, but overall it is very easy to get around. We drive through wooded areas and suddenly the world opens up. A magnificent view over a dune area that seems to have no end. We can’t help but stop to take (many) photos.

Return journey

After a loop of almost 10 kilometers length, we turn out of the nature reserve again and come through the well-known Kaatsheuvel. Almost by chance we turn the wrong way, but with a little maneuvering we drive back towards the Heusden and Altena region. First we cross the Bergsche Maas by the bridge and then we roll through the meadows again. The wind in the back makes for a lovely ride. This part of the Netherlands is relatively quiet even with other cyclists. That makes it all the more pleasant. Underneath the A27 and then later on we cross this highway back along the Fort Altena. By now we are driving in the opposite direction back to the start. It is funny that the way back looks different than the way back. We didn’t see the windmills on the right side on the way back. Now it makes for a beautiful sunny winter picture.

On to lunch

After we finally arrived back on the waterfront, we take a quick breather. Almost 100 kilometers on the odometer and a wonderful feeling. On the ferry we have plenty of momentum again, there are again many cyclists here. Finally we roll back into town, through the gate and park the bike for a well-deserved lunch. It was absolutely wonderful and this route is highly recommended.