Long weekend NP Dwingerderveld in sod huts: dolmens, purple heather & blue lake

******Sign up before 1 March to make reservations on time ******

This is a 4 days hiking weekend in southwest Drenthe in the northeast of the Netherlands! We will stay in nice sod huts in the gorgeous National Park Dwingerderveld with its impressive heatherland fields turning into purple carpets in August/September. We will hike parts the Drenthepad trail passing through Havelteberg with dolmens, as well as the stunning blue lake.
'Drenthe is so beautiful, that's how much it captivates me and satisfies me absolutely, that I, if i couldn't be here forever, I would rather not have seen it. It is indescribably nice.' - Vincent van Gogh in 1883 -
Gathering Friday at 11:45 (or later 18:00) at te accommodation in Ansen (nearby train station NS Steenwijk).

Accommodation:
We spend 3 nights in original traditional 19th century Drenthe turf wooden sod huts (3 persons a hut) in camping OldeKamp. The huts are fully equipped with 3 bed steads, bathroom, toilet and kitchen, table with rush chairs, oil lamp + electric lighting, as well as a sitting area outside with campfire.
[https://plaggenhut.nl/accommodaties/plaggenhut-deluxe/](https://plaggenhut.nl/accommodaties/plaggenhut-deluxe/)

Programme

Daty 1 Thursday: Hike Havelteberg mountain (12 to 15 km)
We will walk through the woods of the hilly Havelteberg to the characteristic Drenthe village of Uffelte. Nearby we will pass a hunnebed (dolmen), the mysterious megalithes, a geological monuments for this region. The route goes further through estates with a farmlands.
Teahouse: [http://www.theehuys-anserdennen.nl/](http://www.theehuys-anserdennen.nl/)
*Dinner: we will prepare a nice meal together, relax in the garden by campfire...

Day 2 Friday: Ansen roundwalk Ruinen or Ansen - NS Beilen (-+ 18 to 20 km)
Today we will will cross the extensive Dwingeloo forestry passing drifting sands, beautiful moss, juniper bushes, and peat fens which houses a large number of birds. We will end at the stunning blue lake, a deep sand hole created by sand extraction*.* In the Lheerbroekerzand nature reserve with a large sheep herd, there is a lot of heathland and juniper bushes. Here we will meet many scotish highlanders.
* Dinner @ restaurant (Ruinen or Ansen).
[https://www.restauranttanteans.nl/](https://www.restauranttanteans.nl/)
[https://www.restaurantluning.nl/](https://www.restaurantluning.nl/)

Day 3 Saturday: Hike Ansen/Dwingeloo - blue lake (-+ 20 km)
Today we cross the impressive Dwingeloose heather. We will pass a sheepfold and visitor center Natuurmonumenten. Soon we reach the village of Dwingeloo, where we can have a break. After passing some farmlands, we will end at the blue lake, a beautiful hidden gem! We will walk around it, and who wants can also swim!
Lunch: Bospub Dwingeloo [https://www.bospub.nl/](https://www.bospub.nl/) or Restaurant Onder de Eiken [https://www.onderdeeiken.nl/](https://www.onderdeeiken.nl/)
* Dinner: self cooked meal or pizza delivery + games night by campfire

Day 4 Sunday: 4 options:

1. Museum farm Kastenhoeve [https://karstenhoeve.nl/](https://karstenhoeve.nl/)
2. Birds park Ruinen [https://www.vogelpark-ruinen.nl/](https://www.vogelpark-ruinen.nl/)
3. Taman Indonesia zoo [https://www.taman-indonesia.nl/](https://www.taman-indonesia.nl/)
4. 4. or visit city Meppel

Restaurant Ruinen: [https://restaurantoldeposthuus.nl/Posthuus/restaurant.html](https://restaurantoldeposthuus.nl/Posthuus/restaurant.html)

Price and registration:
Price is Euro 275,- p.p. for early birds (Eur 290,- from 15 February) all inclusive including 3 overnight (3 persons man/women hut/separate beds), bedlinnen, 3 breakfast + packed lunch, 2 dinner, Tourist tax, bedlinnen, guided hikes, Meet Up event fee + administration and organization costs.
After the minimum of 8 attendees is reached, you will receive a tickie for payment.

Come to this weekend and enjoy the stunning peaceful landscapes of Drenthe!

Notifications:

• The first people signed up will get the best rooms/beds.
• We walk fast (4 to 5 km/h average), with 2-3 breaks. You should be fit and used to hikes of approximately 15-20 km.
• Minimum attendance: 8 participants. Maximum: 12 participants. Priority may be given to people on the waiting list who have attended my events previously.
• Please wear comfortable waterproof hiking gear, including layers and a raincoat. Also, bring sufficient water and snacks.
• Carpe Diem is an amateur activity group, and participation is at your own risk.
• The hikes might be adapted or shortened in case of bad or rainy weather.
• Please sign up only if you plan to attend and are ready to pay the fee upon registration.
• The event fee is non-refundable, except when the trip is full (12 participants), and there is someone to substitute you. However, the MeetUp and administration fee (€25) will still be charged.
• Thank you for your understanding and support in maintaining smooth planning and organisation for the group!