Schoorl dunes: the Klimduin and the North Sea

From the car park by the Schoorlse Duinen visitor centre, walk south to the foot of the Klimduin, the big bare sand dune behind Schoorl village, and climb to its viewpoint. Then head south-west into the dunes and follow Staatsbosbeheer's dark-blue arrows through pine woods and heath, out to the North Sea beach. Turn north behind the beach, then come back east through the northern dunes and the pine woods along the Jachtweg. At the end climb onto the highest dune, passing just below its top, and go down its stairs to the visitor centre. The loop goes clockwise.

It is 10.6 km round with 92 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Easy: sandy paths with short climbs, soft sand near the sea and long flights of steps on the highest dune.

Dogs are not allowed on this route, not even on a lead, because it crosses a grazing area; ask at the visitor centre for a walk where dogs can go. Keep your distance from the grazing animals. The dunes give little shelter from wind and sun, so carry water in summer. Entry to the dunes is free.

The car park is paid from 10:00 to 19:00, at ticket machines. Buses from Alkmaar station stop at De Sanderije, about 100 m from the visitor centre, and at Schoorl Centrum, by the Klimduin.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.