The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Malpie

Malpie offers a wide selection of dog-friendly hiking trails, with over 250 routes suitable for you and your canine companion. These range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.

The terrain in Malpie is generally flat, characterized by expansive heathland, tranquil fens, and diverse swamp woods. You'll encounter varied surfaces including wet heathlands, sandy paths, hay meadows, and marshes. This makes for an accessible and varied hiking experience for dogs and their owners.

While Malpie is very dog-friendly, it's important to respect local regulations. Dogs are generally welcome, but it's advisable to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock, to protect the natural environment and ensure the safety of all visitors. Always check local signage for specific rules in different sections of the reserve.

Yes, Malpie has many easy dog-friendly routes. Over 140 of the available trails are rated as easy, featuring minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paths. An example is the View of Berkendonk Lake – Scenic Walk Along the Water loop from Westerhoven, which is an easy 4.6 km walk perfect for a relaxed outing.

Malpie is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the extensive Heather Landscape in De Malpie, walk along the scenic Boardwalk at the Groot Malpieven, or discover the tranquil Molenven. Many trails offer beautiful views of the fens and diverse landscapes.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails in Malpie are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For instance, the View of the Heidesee Fen – Rest stops loop from Valkenswaard is an easy 5.4 km circular route that offers lovely views.

Malpie is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for hiking with dogs. The heathland blooms in late summer (August/September), creating stunning purple landscapes. During warmer months, ensure your dog has access to water and consider cooler morning or evening walks. Winter can also be magical, though some paths might be wet.

For those seeking a longer adventure, Malpie offers moderate trails that provide a good workout. The The Dommel at the Malpie – Beautiful view loop from Borkel is a moderate 12.4 km route that takes you through varied scenery, perfect for a longer outing with an energetic dog.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Malpie, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful natural surroundings, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse landscapes of heathland and fens that make for an enjoyable experience for both hikers and their dogs.

Absolutely. Many trails in Malpie are near fens and the Dommel river, offering opportunities for dogs to enjoy water. The Scenic Walk Along the Water – View of Berkendonk Lake loop from Westerhoven is a great option, providing a 6.7 km route with scenic views of Berkendonk Lake.

Yes, for a moderate challenge with varied scenery, consider the Small pond – View of the Malpie Fens loop from Valkenswaard. This 11.2 km route takes you past small ponds and offers expansive views of the Malpie Fens, providing a rich hiking experience for you and your dog.