Route
After crossing the North Sea, the E8 continues its journey through the continent on the coast of Holland. In the dunes at the port of Europort, the “Lange-Afstand-Wandelpad” (LAW 6) starts, better known as Grote Rivierenpad. An 8 km long cycle path serves as a run-up route to take you to the long-distance path. Alternatively, you can start in Hoek van Holland on the north bank of the Rhine-Meuse Delta. From here, the main path of LAW 6 starts.
Through typical Dutch polder landscape, the long-distance hiking trail is led south of Rotterdam in a wide arc in the direction of Schoonhoven. Alternatively you can choose the variant north around Rotterdam (see guide). The landscape is further on mainly dominated by agriculture; the European long-distance trail remains mainly on small side paths and paths, which very often run along rivers and channels. The Waal, the most water-rich main arm of the Rhine, is reached halfway. Between the Lek/Neder-Rijn to the north and the Waal to the south of the path, the trail runs towards the border near Nijmegen.
After 265 km, the E8 leaves Netherland and arrives in Germany.
Starting Point
Europoort (Rotterdam)
End Point
In NL: the border in Beek near Nijmegen; in D: Kleve.
Which cities and towns does the E-path pass through?
Hoek van Holland, Maassluis, Spijkenisse, Alblasserdam, Schoonhoven, Leerdam, Tiel, Nijmegen
Length
265 km
Ground path of the E-path
Grote Rivierenpad (Great River Path)
The guide describes the Grote Rivierenpad (also E8) to Kleve (D), 17 km across the border.
Responsible organization
Wandelnet – www.wandelnet.nl
Publications
Grote Rivierenpad (Great River Path)
ISBN: 9789492641038
Number of pages: 216
Year: 2018
The walking guide is in Dutch, but you’ll understand enough to plan and find your way.
Maps
The guide (see above) contains 55 strip maps with the route.
Marking system
White / red is the way sign in Netherland for long-distance paths; this marking continues as far as Kleve.
Crossing other E-paths
At the beginning the E9, the European Atlantic coastal path, is crossing. The Dutch part of the E2 is starting in Hoek van Holland, so there is a short confluence of the E8 with the E2 near Europoort when crossing two connecting bridges.
Practical
The Netherlands is more than just Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The small-scale Dutch landscape has plenty of beautiful sceneries just waiting to be explored. Netherland is the most densely populated country in Europe, but this is not noticeable outside the major cities in the west of the country. In the countryside you will find accommodation, especially B&B’s, campsites and public transport mostly within walking distance. Don’t hesitate to speak to people and ask for information along the way. Most Dutch people speak some English, the elderly also German and some French. The general attitude towards foreign walkers is open and friendly.
Accommodation
Have a look at the Walkers Welcome addresses in the back of the walking guide ‘Grote Rivierenpad’. At these addresses you can arrive soaked and with muddy boots. See further at:
– www.vriendenopdefiets.nl/en. Literally friends on bicycles, but walkers are also very welcome. Almost 6000 listed guest addresses can be found, often near hiking and biking trails. Do not expect a four-star accommodation, but do count on a clean bed and a hearty breakfast against a friendly price. Once you’re registered as a Friend (€10/year) of this non-profit organization you can search online for guest addresses along the route, or use of the guest address booklet.
– www.bedandbreakfast.nl. Also available as an app in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian language. Sometimes it is easier to mail or phone directly to the wanted address. Use google.maps (the bed icon) to identify the desired B&B address; in most cases address details or a website will appear when you click on the location.
Camping
Campsites are cheap, safe and mostly comfortable, prices between € 10 and € 20. There are sometimes possibilities to camp at a farm site (cheaper). We advise to use google.maps and enter ‘camping’ in the search box. See also:
– mijn.natuurkampeerterreinen.nl/ Camp sites in nature, about 130 addresses in NL. Website also in English, German and French.
– www.trekkershutten.nl/ Hiker’s Cabins, website also in English, German and French.
There are many campsites near the route, but it is sometimes difficult to find the right addresses. Ask local people or simply ask at the end of the day the owner of an attractive site if you could put your tent there for one night. (Wild camping is officially prohibited in NL; enforcing the ban is a problem, however.)
Food
There is enough food for every budget. It is sometimes difficult to find simple eateries in rural villages. A ‘cafeteria’ offers a simple hot meal: French fries, a meatball and sometimes fish. Bread, vegetables and fruit are cheap in shops. Your guide ‘Grote Rivierenpad’ will give you some information (icon cup and saucer on the map), but also use google maps on your mobile phone.
Travel
Stations and bus stops are indicated on the section maps in your guide. Find your favorite public transport app to help you out.
Trains: www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/
Buses and other public transport: 9292.nl/en
Gear
The rambler doesn’t need specific gear to walk the E-path in NL.
Links
– www.wandelnet.nl/wandelroute/283/Grote-Rivierenpad/overzicht
– www.holland.com/global/tourism/information/general/all-about-the-netherlands.htm
– bartravel.com/english/europe2/articles/netherlands-general-info.html
– www.britannica.com/place/Netherlands
Use a wheather app on your mobile phone. In Netherland are popular Meteored, Buienradar and Weervoorspelling.
References
www.traildino.com/trace/continents-Europe/countries-Netherlands/trails-Oeverloperpad/
hiking.waymarkedtrails.org/#route?id=1175728&map=6!47.9039!8.1843