Schoteroog, Waarderpolder (Spaarnwoude Park)

Another one of those places that you can make your walk as long or as short as you like. Schoteroog used to be a landfill that got cleaned up and turned into a park and is popular with sunbathers and picnickers. Every now and then there are children events near the water but you can walk the upper path and avoid them if you want to. Right alongside the Mooie Nel lake which links up with the Spaarne, it is also a bit of a boating paradise.

The park has a range of paths that run through the open, rolling fields, and one bike path along the side of the lake. It also has a footpath connection with Verplas which also forms part of the Windmill Route. As you reach the end of the park furthest away from the Marina, you can turn left and simply follow the path past the horse stables, cross the road at the windmill and carry on along the canal to the Verplas carpark (only open to dogs October-April). I usually stop at the windmill and then turn back, which gives me a good hour walk in total. Schoteroog park can get a little busy with sunbathers – particularly at the weekend but the path between Schoteroog and Verplas is hardly ever frequented and is a real scent bonanza for pups!

The park is not fenced but there is only one side really that is not contained by water or some kind of physical barrier, and if you keep to the open fields it’s fairly safe if you have a young pup still learning to keep close.

Parking spots are at the side of the road near one of the stairways that bring you to the upper part of the park, or a large car park by the marina close to the (dog friendly) Proef restaurant.

Pros:

• Wide open fields to run and keep watch on your pup
• Some quiet spots where you can train
• Not overly busy with dog walkers and easy to avoid others if you want to

Cons:

• Horse paths can leave unexpected treats
• Can get some ripe air near the water purification centre, or near the horse stables but it’s short lived
• Can get pretty windy up there!

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