Through the Sahara to Junne estate

Starting point: the centre of Ommen

You set off in the Hanseatic town of Ommen, right beside the Vecht. Cross the river and you soon leave the town behind; the houses give way to woodland and sandy paths that sink softly underfoot.

Along the way: across the drift sand

The path leads you to the Sahara, an open drift-sand area between Zeesse and Junne. Here you walk over bare little dunes dotted with clusters of pines, where the wind lays the sand down a little differently each day. In August the surrounding heath turns purple and you catch the warm scent of pine above the sand.

Highlight: the quiet of Junne

Beyond the sand you reach the Junne estate, one of the calmest corners of the Vechtdal. Old oak lanes, a handful of farmsteads and the Vecht winding slowly through the valley. Take a moment on the bank before you head back.

Good to know

• The paths are largely unpaved; sturdy shoes are welcome in the loose sand.
• Dogs are welcome, but keep them leashed on the estate and during nesting season.
• Bring water; there are no facilities along the way.

From Hotel de Zon

Hotel de Zon sits on the Vecht in the heart of Ommen, within walking distance of the start. You step straight from the door into the sand and return afterwards for a warm bath and a good glass. A walking day you needn't even begin by car.