Discover the Veluwe Trail: Horseback Adventures Starting at Caitwickerzand

Looking for an effortless way to ride the Veluwe Trail while your horse relaxes in safe, nearby pasture? At Caitwickerzand, the well-known 300 km Veluwe Trail borders directly on the park, and you can bring your own horse with convenient pasture rental (weidegang). That means smooth logistics, secure turnout, and direct forest access—so you spend more time in the saddle and less time arranging details.

In this guide, you’ll learn why Caitwickerzand is an ideal base for the Veluwe Trail, how our horse facilities work, the accommodation options that suit riders, and practical tips to plan your ride across the Veluwe’s forests and heath.

Why Caitwickerzand is the perfect base for the Veluwe Trail

Caitwickerzand sits on the edge of the Veluwe’s forests and heath, between the picturesque villages of Kootwijk and Garderen. From the park, you step straight into the woods, and several riding routes start in the immediate surroundings. Most importantly for equestrians, the Veluwe Trail (300 km) runs directly along the park—so you can start exploring the route right from your door.

• Direct forest access: Walk your horse out of the park and into the woods—no road transport needed for your day rides.
• Iconic long-distance riding: The Veluwe Trail spans 300 km across the Veluwe, known for its varied terrain and serene nature.
• Small, personal, and peaceful: Caitwickerzand is a small family-run holiday park, known for a warm, personal welcome and a quiet setting—ideal for horse and rider downtime.

Bring your own horse: how weidegang works

Riding is better when the logistics are simple. At Caitwickerzand you can rent pasture (weidegang) for your horse during your stay and head out each day to discover the Veluwe Trail.

What’s included and how it’s organized

• 8 separate meadows: Horses that don’t know each other never need to share a field.
• Total capacity: Up to 40 horses.
• Hay available on-site: Conveniently purchase hay as needed.
• Trailer space: There is room at the park to park your trailer.

Pricing

• Weidegang: € 9,50 per horse per day
• Hay: € 9,50 per bale

Seasonal availability

• Please note: In November, December, January, February, and March it’s not possible to stay at the park with your horse. Plan equestrian stays for spring, summer, and autumn.

Stay your way: rider-friendly accommodation options

Whether you prefer camping close to nature or a bit more comfort after long hours in the saddle, Caitwickerzand offers a range of stays—all with the woods at your doorstep.

Camping on the Veluwe

• Spacious pitches with 16A electricity, water, and sewer connection
• Modern sanitary building
• Direct access to the forest for early morning or late afternoon rides

Explore pitches and availability: Camping pitches

Hiker’s Cabins (Trekkershutten)

Choose the simplicity of a cabin with the essentials you need between rides, or upgrade to extra comfort.

• Trekkershut Standaard

  • Simple, functional cabins suited for up to 4 people (a 5th child possible after arranging with reception)
  • Table and five chairs, two bunk beds with mattress and pillow, and a two-burner gas hob (pots available to rent)
  • Electric heating; sanitary facilities in the central building

• Trekkershut Plus

  • Suitable for 5 people, with a basic but fully equipped kitchen (fridge, four-burner stove, hood, utensils)
  • Cold running water; pillows provided (no duvets)
  • Sanitary facilities in the central building; heating can be booked; no personal heaters allowed

• Trekkershut Comfort

  • Room for up to 5 people with two separate bedrooms (3 box-spring beds + 1 bunk bed)
  • Sitting area with television, kitchen (stove, fridge, Senseo), bathroom with shower, washbasin, and toilet
  • Outside lounge set (not in winter); fiber internet connection
  • Heating available; mandatory from 15 October to 15 April

• Looking for even more space? Explore Trekkershut Comfort + with two bedrooms, TV, a complete kitchen, bathroom, outside power sockets (for e-bikes), and a fiber connection.

Explore options: Trekkershutten • Trekkershut Comfort +

Bungalow Veluwe (4 guests)

Prefer privacy and home comforts after long trail hours? The Bungalow Veluwe offers:

• Living room with LCD TV and kitchen (fridge with small freezer, dishwasher, combi-microwave)
• Private bathroom (shower, washbasin, toilet)
• Two bedrooms with box-spring beds
• Fiber internet and a terrace with lounge set (no outdoor furniture in winter)

Discover details: Bungalow Veluwe

Chalet (2 adults + 2 children)

A spacious 4 × 10 m chalet with:

• Living room and TV
• Fully equipped kitchen (fridge, combi-microwave, gas hob, kettle, Senseo)
• Double bedroom + children’s bunk room
• Bathroom (toilet, washbasin, shower)
• Heating and air conditioning, garden furniture, small shed
• Wi‑Fi ticket for up to 2 devices; max. 1 dog allowed

See more: Chalet

Plan your ride on the Veluwe Trail

What is the Veluwe Trail?

The Veluwe Trail is a long-distance equestrian route of 300 km across the Veluwe. From Caitwickerzand, it borders directly on the park, making it simple to start or continue your journey without additional transport.

Local riding routes on your doorstep

Beyond the Veluwe Trail, there are several riding routes in the immediate surroundings. With direct access to the forest, you can tailor daily loops for any fitness level—ideal for conditioning rides, scenic hacks, or relaxed recovery days for your horse.

Practical planning pointers for riders

These general trail-riding tips help you make the most of your Veluwe stay:

• Plan day stages that suit your horse’s current fitness and terrain experience.
• Use clear, up-to-date maps or GPS tracks; confirm intersections before setting off.
• Build in rest and grazing breaks; bring the basics you prefer for watering and tying where permitted.
• Ride defensively on shared paths; announce your approach and respect other trail users.
• In dim light, use high-visibility gear so you and your horse are easy to spot.

Quick answers about the Veluwe Trail at Caitwickerzand

• How long is the Veluwe Trail?

  • The Veluwe Trail is 300 km.

• Does the Veluwe Trail connect to Caitwickerzand?

  • Yes. It borders directly on the park, so you can ride out immediately.

• Can I bring my own horse?

  • Yes. You can rent pasture (weidegang). There are 8 separate meadows (no sharing for unfamiliar horses), with capacity for 40 horses.

• Is hay available and what does it cost?

  • Hay is available on-site at € 9,50 per bale.

• How much is weidegang per day?

  • € 9,50 per horse per day.

• Is there space for my trailer?

  • Yes, there is space to park your trailer at the park.

• Can I stay with my horse in winter?

  • No. From November through March, it’s not possible to stay with your horse at the park.

Practical takeaways for a smooth stay

• Reserve early: Pasture capacity is 40 horses across 8 separate meadows. Book your stay and arrange weidegang in good time.
• Choose your accommodation style:
  • Cabins: Trekkershutten • Trekkershut Comfort +
  • Self-contained stays: Bungalow Veluwe • Chalet
  • Outdoor living: Camping pitches
• Budget your horse care: Weidegang € 9,50 p.p.p.d.; hay € 9,50 per bale.
• Think seasonally: Plan equestrian trips outside November–March.
• Leverage direct forest access: Start easy warm-ups and cool-down hacks right from the park without road transport.

Beyond the saddle: rest-day ideas

Balance your riding itinerary with gentle sightseeing. From Caitwickerzand, you’re close to attractions such as Apenheul, Julianatoren, and Paleis Het Loo—perfect options for a relaxed rest day.

Conclusion: Ride farther with less fuss on the Veluwe Trail

With the Veluwe Trail (300 km) on the boundary, direct access to the forest, and on-park weidegang (8 separate meadows, capacity for 40 horses, hay available, trailer space), Caitwickerzand helps you focus on what matters: memorable miles with your horse across the Veluwe’s forests and heath.

Ready to plan your ride?

• Explore stays: Trekkershutten • Trekkershut Comfort + • Bungalow Veluwe • Camping pitches • Chalet
• Arrange weidegang and ask questions:
  • Email: info@caitwickerzand.nl
  • Phone: 0577 - 456295
  • Address: Hennepstede 50, 3888 NT Uddel (Nieuw-Milligen)

Book your stay, secure your pasture, and discover the Veluwe Trail from Caitwickerzand—your effortless gateway to horseback adventure.