Thinking of taking a holiday in the Netherlands

[Scotmitchy]

Hi guys, not beeen active on the forum for a while ,and not been out on my bike for months either.

However, with the good weather I will be back up and at it in spring.

I am thinking of taking a week of my summer holiday and heading to the Netherlands.

I would only be doing 20 mile or so a day, and I think sticking to hostels/B and Bs to avoid having to take camping gear etc.

I may do this on my own, or may encourage my daughter to join me on an adventure

Realistically, how do-able is this for a 40 something woman and a teenage girl. Would it be safe?

Would we hate it?

When would be the best time to aim to combine good prices with good weather?

Would I have more fun going on my own - daft as it may sound I cannot decide if this would be FAB or lonely.

What is the most cost effective way of getting to Holland to start with? I am in Edinburgh by the way.

Any thoughts or experiences as I ponder my NY challenge are welcome.

 

[Norm]

20 miles a day would almost certainly be do-able for you.

Whether you'd enjoy it more solo or with your daughter depends on a million things - how "teenaged" is your daughter, what is your relationship like, does she like riding, will she go because she wants to or because she feels she needs to, how is she at facing new challenges and new cultures... etc

I'd think safety would be very similar to safety in the UK - the chances of anything happening would be sooooo small as to be negligible, IMO.

 

[Bodhbh]

It's very doable. Only thing is if worried about milage is to plan so you are liable to have the wind at your back (i.e. head broadly NE). All cycle paths over there, so little in the way of dealing with traffic...so very safe.

 

[willem]

Of course it is very doable, and safe (unless you do something stupid like leaving your bike unlocked in Amsterdam). Whether your daughter will like it, well that is a different matter, and you can be the only judge of that. Maybe you should consider double the mileage, and take every other day off. One nice route would be to go north from IJmuiden (which is where the ferry from Newcastle goes) along the coast. There are plenty of great beaches there to spend your non cycling days (that would be the highlight for my teenage daughter). And I would go camping. You will save a fortune and have far more fun.
Willem

 

[snorri]

I am thinking of taking a week of my summer holiday and heading to the Netherlands.

Stop thinking and start planning, my first venture to mainland Europe was to The Netherlands with a bike, and I've never looked back.
You have the option of sailing from Newcastle to Ijmuiden, well served by train from Edinburgh, or going down to Harwich and sailing to the Hook of Holland. The ferry terminal for Newcastle is just a few miles along the river side from the rail staion, so no problem there. Getting from the main line rail terminal in London to Harwich is slightly more problematic.
I think the Netherlands is ideal for a first foreign tour, no language problems, well signposted cycle routes, great cake shops and no hills. Going solo or with daughter is something you alone can decide, but I don't go along with your suggestion that it might not be doable for someone at 40+ .
We look forward to more specific questions about your proposed route.

 

[rich p]

20 miles is obviously do-able even if you're a bit unfit SM. I did a tour there with friends this spring and had lots of fun. It's cycle friendly and the hospitality was good and the scenery better than I imagined for a flat country!

I prefer travelling in company for the evenings more than the daytime.

here's my account if it's of any use

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=6840&v=37

 

[ComedyPilot]

Like RichP, I spent a very pleasant week (and a bit) riding round The Netherlands.

The cycle paths are out of this world, the sign posting keeps even the most map-averse people on track, the people (ones I met) are super-friendly, most speak English (you will be surprised how easy it is to do the basics in Dutch), and the whole infrastructure is geared towards cyclists.

You could fly to Amsterdam from Edinburgh, or be really adventurous, and get a ferry? There's no feeling like rolling off the ramp of a ferry onto foreign (to you) soil and being responsible for your own motive power.

Just do it - don't think you can't, because you can.

 

[Scotmitchy]

Thanks everyone, I will give it some very serious thought.

I don't mind camping, other than lugging everything around.

Will let you know how I get on with my plans.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Thanks everyone, I will give it some very serious thought.

I don't mind camping, other than lugging everything around.

Will let you know how I get on with my plans.

Good, because there are a few of us rooting for you!

 

[Domestique]

Last two years we have been to Holland. I cant say this enough but you will really love it if you have any remote interest in bicycles
Biggest danger imo, other cyclists, there are so many.
If you are camping, we used Natuurkamping, see the link below. You need to join, about 20 euros we sent a cash. No cars next to tents, small sites, but everything you need. Just look at the Dutch when they go cycle camping with the whole family.
Dont forget your waterproofs though, it does rain, normally short showers in the summer. Find some shelter under a tree or similar and just let it pass.

http://holland.cycli...undtheworld.nl/

http://www.natuurkampeerterreinen.nl/

 

[Scotmitchy]

Can people guide me on how I go about costing such a holiday?

I am wanting to compare the costs/availability/suitablity of camping, hostels. b and b and hotels.

Camping would be okay, but I fear the carryingof the gear would be my biggest bug bear.

I do love a bit of luxury, but am not at all averse to spending time in youth hostels (ha 40 something) if they are nice and clean and safe.

I take it I can take the bike on the ferry at a reduced price to taking a car., or might I get a better deal with the car with us, and have that for evenigns etc.

Oh, so many decisions!

 

[Domestique]

If you are unsure of camping have a look at Vrienden op de fiets


http://www.vriendenopdefiets.nl/

 

[jay clock]

Absolutely fine! one of our number went there alone whilst pregnant! http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=5899&v=3g

Go for it....

 

[snorri]

Here are the ferry details
http://www.dfdsseawa...erry_to_holland
I have seldom booked in advance, it might be cheaper if you do, but tickets can be bought at the ferry terminal.
Boarding the ferry is very straightforward, just follow the other cyclists, and the ferry crew will direct you to a cycle parking place on one of the car decks. Do make a note of the deck number and position where your bike is parked, this can saves a bit of frantic searching on arrival.

The ferry port for Amsterdam is actually Ijmuiden which is about half a day cycling from Amsterdam, but there is a 'flying ferry' which takes you right into Central Station if you choose to visit Amsterdam.
Info here
http://www.strolling...es/ijmuiden.php

More cycletouring info.

http://www.cycletour...g/holland.shtml

 

[willem]

Yes book the ferry in advance. Holland is a lot cheaper than the UK, and particularly camping in Holland. I agree Natuurkampeerterreinen are great, but there are other good sites like those owned by Staatsbosbeheer (National Forrests). Camping is not necessarily that much heavier. The difference is a tent (some 2kg per person) a sleeping bag and mattress (1-2 kg pp), and a stove plus fuel (1.5 kg for two). The rest you have to carry if you are staying in hotels as well. So you are talking about some 4 kg per person extra for the joy of camping. If your gear is a bit too bulky and heavy, invest some of what you save by camping in lighter and more compact gear. The Dutch mostly camp themselves.
Willem