Atlanticwall dunes and beach hike Dutch coast-path to Katwijk aan Zee (-+21km)

Today we will hike part of the long distance Dutch coast-path through the gorgeous and hilly dunes of north part of Meijendel and Berkheide (-+ 21 km), passing by different lakes, the remains of the Atlanticwall bunkers and a lot of stunning (bird watch) view points, ending with a walk along the beach.

Gathering point is train station NS The Hague Central, from there we take the bus to the De Kieviet in Wassenaar at 10:05, and ends in Katwijk aan Zee, where we take the bus to Leiden or The Hague.

Meijendel dunes
Forest, dunes, meadows, winding waters, lakes and vast grasslands characterize the landscape here. The area is very rich with a big variety of plant and animal species, this makes every visit a real adventure!
Hopefully we will enjoy a lot of bird sounds in this period of the year, as this area belongs to the top ten of the most bird-rich nature reserves in the Netherlands. From the highest dune we can see the North Sea on a clear day.

Restaurant Duinoord
After 10 km we reach restaurant Duinoord, where we can have a drink eventually.
https://www.hotelduinoord.nl/nl/restaurant#menu

Nature reserve Berkheide
Berkheide is a special dune area and part of the Hollandse Duinen National Park. The open dune landscape with grasslands is interspersed here and there with forest or shrubbery. In some places remnants of agricultural use can be seen in the form of former potato fields. The area is plenty of more than 300 bird species, including cormorants.
Beautiful species such as the natterjack toad, cormorants, parnassia and various types of orchids can be found. We will pass different birdwatching and view points.

Potluck picnic
It would be nice to have a picnic at a beautiful spot with a magnificent view! Bring something to share!

Atlanticwall
Did you know that our Dutch coast is littered with bunkers, batteries and trenches? A part of the route leads past remnants of the Atlanticwall with its bunkers, a lieux de mémoire of the defense line of the Germans built against the expected Allied invasion during the Second World War in 1942. It is a 5000 km line along the Western Europe coast from the south of France to the North Cape.
The Dutch part was the strongest link, because the Germans expected an Allied invasion here. In the end, it took place in Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day). After the liberation, the demolition of the defenses started but many remnants have been saved and are now cherished as cultural heritage. The bunkers now serve as a bat reserve and therefore have a protected status.

Along the beach to Katwijk aan Zee
The last 3 km go through along beach in Katwijk aan Zee, and old fisherman village. On the promenade you can notice the Andreaskerk medieval church (1470) and De Vuurbaak lighthouse (1605), the second oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands.
We can have some drinks and/or a swim in the sea before leaving home taking the bus to the Hague or Leiden (20 minutes).

Put your shoes on and come to explore this gorgeous Dutch coast trail!

Notifications:

• Meet up contribution fee: Eur 4,- for early birds before 23 July/ Euro 5,- from 24 July to be paid directly when signing by tickie (you can change the amount):
  https://www.ing.nl/particulier/betaalverzoek/index.html?trxid=yZw39swQWE21tRm0wcRJVQckHGTBgcOd
• We walk fast at (5 km an hour average) with 2/3 breaks, you should be fit for it and used to long distance walks of 20 km ;-).
• Be aware that the hike will take the whole day and that the ending time is approximate and depends on the speed of the group and the breaks.
• Bring sufficient water, snacks and lunch, although we might stop at a restaurant.
• I advise to wear comfortable hiking shoes and gear with layers and a rain coat.
• Carpe Diem is an amateur activity group, participating is at your own risk.
• The hike might be cancelled or postponed in case of extreme bad weather or few people signed up. Check messages for last-minute updates the evening before.
• Please only sign up if you are attending to join. And change your RSVP if something unexpected occurs. Last-minutes cancellations are not appreciated and NO SHOWS will be recorded! No refund. Thank you.