Hondsbossche Zeewering, Camperduin – Petten.

There is a huge and very historical dyke running between the Camperduin parking place near Schoorl, which runs about 5.5km along the coastline to Petten. This version of the dyke has stood since about 1880 and has been widened and enhanced many times since then to protect the land from sea surges. Stand on the dyke and look at the level of the road and the land below, then compare to the sea level on the other side of the dyke, you can see how far below sea level the land is, and can really appreciate the need for coastal protection in the Netherlands. It’s quite an “oh” moment!

This whole dyke is almost like a double-dyke, with one side next to the road which is not paved, and the paved bike/foot path on the beach side and both are separated by an artificial valley. Pretty much the whole of the valley area is protected, or part of a construction to reinforce the dyke structure and it is fenced off.

History and engineering aside, this dyke is a little gem of a stroll and with the popular Schoorl dunes close by, this spot seems to be mostly overlooked. With over 5km with no traffic lights or crossings, it’s also an excellent place to go for a long and uninterrupted run if you are so inclined.

Running next to the footpath is a cycle path, which splits away now and then, but when it is next to the walking path then it is also separated by tufty grass which was enough to keep my off leash pup on the right side of things. There are two cycle paths and the one next to the foot path is more or less the scenic route, the high speed/high traffic path is well out of the way.

You don’t have to walk the entire dyke and back in one go! As you drive on the Hondebosseweg towards Camperduin there are several parking bays with steps up to the dyke. We parked at a parking spot called De Putten (Schoorl) and walked up to the dyke on entrance 21, then northwards towards Petten.

Along the way you will find a lovely little pier overlooking a wider, watery part of the valley, which is a detour of just a few metres and makes a lovely picture opportunity.

Continuing on northwards, starting at exit 17F you will start to have connections down to the beach, which is open to off leash dogs from 1 October to 1 April. You can come back up to the dyke at 5 or 6 other exits between here and Petten.

If you don’t fancy the beach then you can walk the whole way back on the non-paved dyke next to the road where you can really see the differences in ground levels between sea and land, and where you have a lovely view of the Harger and Pettemerpolders, which is off limits for dogs but still lovely to look at from high up.