Texel- (31/05)

What is Texel (or Tessel if you're Dutch)?

It's 1 of the 5 inhabited Dutch Wadden Sea Islands, by far the largest and the most touristy (hence all the Germans!) of them all.


Our campsite was on the west side of the island in the village of De Koog where the beach is what draws the crowds. Awaiting on a bike repair we took full advantage of it's sunny coastline and soaked up some sun whilst wandering around the town. It was then with reluctance that we headed back to Den Helder for an afternoon crossing, making some progress along the borders of North Holland before setting up camp for the night.  

To Den Helder- (30/05)

The aim of Day 2 was to complete the 65kms to Den Helder in time to cross over to one of NL’s best kept secrets…but more on that later. Still hugging the coast (LF1) we made it through yet more dunes and thankfully the paths were a little more bike friendly. However having arrived on the island of Texel after a 30 minute boat journey our bikes seemed determined to create problems of their own making. These were to plague us for the rest of the trip. That said, with the help of a German couple we still made it to our campsite before dark. Germans were a-plenty on the island and boy were we glad of it this time round.  

Where do I begin!?- (29/05)

After flying solo, meeting some friends and sorting out what was going where in our bikes and rucksacks I was ready for my twin’s arrival. Starting in Noordwijk along LF1* it wasn't long before we met what was to become our trip's third companion, wind. The in your face kind. Journeying in and out of the dunes that run along the North Sea we passed through the beautiful Zuid Kennemerland (Nature Park) and spotted a fair few animals up close who didn't seem at all fussed by the conditions! Setting up our tent for the first time proved surprisingly easy and sleep was not an issue, after our first 60km we needed it. Not a bad start to the adventure...        

*LF = Langefiets (ie. the long cycle paths!)