Features:
Texel is a scenic island in the Wadden Sea — the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. It’s the largest of the Wadden islands, at 25 km long and 10 km wide. It’s a popular spot for visiting in summer, for its beaches, dunes, nature preserves, and birding. There are more bikes than cars and more sheep than people! There’s a wonderful variety of running on Texel, using the extensive network of cycle paths (use ‘bike layer’ in Google Maps to see them), and an easy-to-follow numbering system. Rather than recommend a specific route, below are some options depending on type of scenery you’d prefer.
Water Views. The best paths with water views are on the eastern end of the island. A cycle track runs above the seawall for ~10 km between Oudeschild and just north of Oost. MAP
Wetlands Views. North of Oost, it’s very scenic running with views of wetlands and farm countryside for ~8 km to De Cocksdorp.
Farmland. The interior roads and cycle paths north of DeWall feature scenic running passing farm fields.
Scenic Dunes. There’s a large network of grass-topped dunes on the northwestern part of the island. A beautiful rolling hill cycle path runs for ~11 km between De Koog and the Dune Park camping area. MAP
Beach Running. A wide, long beach on the western end of Texel is wonderful for running. But tide dependent in terms of width and firmness of sand.
Forest Trails. Nationaal Park Duinen van Texel has some pleasant forested trails in the interior, and sandy, dunes trails closer to the water. Note: dunes trails here can be soft sand!
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