Wisent and horse trail, from Zandvoort to Haarlem, a fall/winter route.
Trying to walk from Zandvoort to Haarlem? There are no direct trails, only for cyclists or horses, except when you are a fearless hiker, follow the horse trail.
Introduction
There is no direct trail between Zandvoort and Haarlem so I decided to try the horse trail. A detour is following the wisenten trail, the fenced off area with some 20 European bisons, which is only possible in the fall and winter months, from 1 October to 28 February.
Why is there only a horse trail and no walking trail? That should be changed by us fearless hikers. There is no reason keeping this area off-limits as it is too close to the highway and not special to any other area.
Map of the wisenten area and the horse trail.
Wisenten area and start of the horse trail, only from 1 October to 28 February
From the Zandvoort station follow the road parallel and to the South of the railroad. After 25 min., use the underpass, then stay north of the railroad, and after 5 min., North of a pine forest, you will see the start of the yellow walking route, the wisenten trail.
Using the wooden ladder, climb across the fence. The ladder is barred by wooden planks in the spring and summer.
A hilly and at times sandy trail now takes you through the "wild" wisenten area, exciting you may think, but I have never seen them from the trail. This is just a scenic route and the chance of seeing them may be one in a 100.
If you want to see them, book a trip with the ranger, like I did ... twice. Very special.
After 40 net walking time minutes, you will reach the exit, with another ladder to cross the fence.
Alternative route
In
the spring and summer, when the trail is closed, you could use the
cycling trail East of the wisenten fence and take a view at the
area.
You
could use a shorter, more direct route from Zandvoort, North of the
racing circuit.
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The horse trail
This starts at the North end of the wisenten trail, right at the ladder. Don't be shy, just go for it. The best part is from here to the Bokkedoorns, only 15 min.. Bokkedoorns are a thorny bush, common in the dunes.
After a few 100 meters, there is a sign with Zandvoort/Bloemendaal. Keep on going straight. The gate on the left takes you to the highway.
After 500 m there is a cattle gate, cross it, then go up a steep hill, next to a forest and finally you will reach the West edge of the Bokkedoorns at a tank wall from the Second World War.
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Bokkedoorns park
Just follow the horsetrail, all the way to the East. There are many walking trails in this area as here dogs are allowed, no where else in the dunes. This takes 10 minutes. Ignore the many dog walkers and sniffing dogs, even when they are big. Just stop and let them sniff you out.
My favorite bench is on the East side of the lake.
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From the Bokkedoorns to the Overveen park
Now you need to take a decision, be a fearless hiker, and continue along the horse trail, which is very illegal but scenic, and not recommended during "tic season, from April till October, or use the cycling trail next to the road. Both routes take around 25 minutes.
At the end, near a white villa, you both go through the dying forest, so many trees fell down or are dead. Unclear why. The 2018 drought?
If you took the cycling lane next to the main road, take a right turn at the first gravel road and jump across a fence. After 200 m you will join the horse trail.
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The Overveen park
You could follow the horse trail till the tarmac road. It descents down into the wide open park. You could also follow the gravel road that leads into the park. The horse trail is more spectacular, both routes takes 5 min.
Folllow the canal starting at the railroad underpass, cross the canal using the bridge, mandatory, and after 10 minutes you exit the park.
Overveen station or to Haarlem
Turn left on the road and right again at the T-junction. Follow the road till the Overveen station, only 15 min., trains leave at xx:10 and xx:40 h to Haarlem, or follow the W-E canal to Haarlem, after 500 m from the T-junction. The canal is South of the big meadow, going to Haarlem takes 45 min.
The route to Haarlem is also interesting. Go more or less straight all the way along the canal, lined with willow and hazel trees, and this takes you to the St. Lawrence church on the main square and "the waag". Greet Mr. Coster was the first in Holland to print books, and have a drink or two on one of many terraces.
Much later on, due to the alcoholic drinks in warm weather and stiff muscles getting up again, stubble to the station, another 10 min.
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Epiloque
Ending up in Haarlem feels like an adventure, using a high variety of wild and civilized trails. Don't do this in the spring or summer, the tics will get you, 1% has lyme disease.