Nederlands Kustpad Noord-Holland

Nederlands Kustpad Noord-Holland is the North Holland section of the Nederlands Kustpad (LAW 5), a long-distance path along the entire Dutch coast. This 39.8-kilometre route runs in two stages from Wijk aan Zee to Groet, through the dunes of Kennemerland and Schoorl.

The first stage starts on the Wijk aan Zee boulevard and crosses the Noordhollands Duinreservaat, with open dune valleys, the foredune and the Castricum beach entrance. In Egmond aan Zee the boulevard and the lighthouse lead into the village. The second stage runs via Bergen aan Zee through the Schoorlse Duinen, one of the widest dune areas in the country, and ends with the Klimduin: a high sand dune climbed by steps or through loose sand, with views over the dunes and the village.

The landscape is dune, beach and foredune, with the occasional pine wood and open polder at the inner dune edge. Do not expect real elevation, but do expect loose sand: the pace is slower than on paved paths.

Practical. The route is waymarked with the white and red stripes of LAW 5. Wijk aan Zee is served by bus from Beverwijk station; Groet by bus to Alkmaar. The stages end in Egmond aan Zee, with hotels and campsites near the boulevard. Swimming is possible at Castricum, Egmond and Bergen aan Zee; watch the currents and the beach slopes. Spring and late summer are the best months; in winter it blows hard and the dune paths are wet.