Horseback Riding Through the “Brabant Sahara”
Anyone familiar with “ De Loonse en Drunense Duinen ” knows how varied the landscape is. One moment you’re riding among the trees, and the next you’re in the middle of a vast sandy plain. It’s no wonder this nature reserve is also known as the “Brabant Sahara.”
On horseback, you’ll experience this landscape in a whole new way. Ride leisurely through the woods, follow the trails through the nature reserve, and enjoy the open space together with your horse. And then there are those sandy plains… they naturally invite you to enjoy a wonderful gallop!
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A short ride or a long trail ride?
Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely ride or want to spend a few hours out on the trail, there are several riding trails to choose from.
A nice short route is the horseback riding trail De Smulhoeve. This route is 8 kilometers long and runs through the western part of De Loonse en Drunense Duinen. A wonderful loop to enjoy the diverse natural scenery together with your horse.
Want to go a little further? From “ Loon op Zand ,” you can head in several directions. For example, there’s an 11-kilometer route toward De Roestelberg and a short 15-kilometer loop through the dunes.
Discover the Smulhoeve route
For those who can’t get enough of the dunes
Want to go on a truly beautiful ride? Then choose the Lange Ronde Duinen. This riding trail is 28 kilometers long and takes you through a large part of the nature reserve.
The route starts at Natuurpoort Van Loon in Loon op Zand and takes you through various parts of the Loonse and Drunense Dunes. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, ride along horse trails, and enjoy the characteristic dune landscape. A beautiful route for those who enjoy spending a little more time in the saddle.
Prefer a route in between? There’s also a 16-kilometer route from Natuurpoort Van Loon toward Drunen.
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Well-prepared for your trip
Before you get in the saddle, it’s good to know that you’ll need a rider’s pass or day pass to ride in the Loonse and Drunense Dunes. The proceeds from these passes are used, among other things, to maintain the riding trails, and Natuurmonumenten uses them to protect the nature reserve.
Before you set out, always check the latest information about the route you plan to take. That way, you’ll know where to start, how many kilometers you have ahead of you, and you can set out well-prepared.
A leisurely ride through the woods, riding together on the sand, or covering kilometers on a long trail ride—you can do it all in De Langstraat. Each route reveals a different part of the landscape.
So put on your riding boots, saddle up, and head out. Which riding trail will you choose?
