Heerhugowaard – Loslopen.net

Diepsmeerpark is a decent-sized, well maintained park just north of Heerhugowaard and Alkmaar. It is a little maze of canals and open areas and if you walk up and down all sides of these canal “islands” , you can stretch your walk up to an hour or so.

Technically the leash free zone is only at the north of the park, but I have to say it is not clearly marked, and most people just use the whole park to let their dogs run around. There is a kids play area and football field and I would definitely leash my dog in these areas, otherwise, just follow the locals.

At one point there is a cycle path which runs though the park north to south, but to the side of this, just by the Bee Valley hut, there is a small slope with a rarely used (and often overgrown) path that takes you behind the trees overlooking all the fields next to the park, and out of the way of everyone else. You can walk along this makeshift pathway right up to the road where the car park is, and then go back into the park for further exploring.

There are some fun elements in the park too, there is a little pyramid with steps to the top, where there is a circle of stone seating and a sandy play area, and you can get a lovely view of the whole park from up here. Also dotted around there are large concrete tunnels and doggy play areas which you can use to just have fun with.

The whole area is very watery, so after heavy rain then it is a bit squishy, but that is mostly only around the canals, if you stick to pathways you will have a firmer, dryer walk. Albeit rather short.

It can get a bit busy, especially during lunchtime – even during the week. If you wanted a solitary stroll then this is probably not the place for you, however there are plenty of turnarounds and wider areas to give oncoming walkers space.

There are two free parking areas, use the one to the north of the park just off of Hopmansweg, this takes you straight into the leash free zone.

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