🎅Scenic Festive Hike to Beerschoten estate forests & sculptures park 15k🎅

Important! To sign up, please pay the € 5,- * Meet Up event fee directly (See notifications for tickie).* From 29 November the fee is € 5,95

Join us for a delightful hike (-+ 15 km) through authentic forests with a cultural and festive twist, exploring three stunning forest estates in the Bilt area: Houdringe, Beerschoten (with its unique sculpture park), and the Panbos forest. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful gems in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug-South, blending nature, art, and history into a special experience.
Along the way, enjoy festive treats like pepernoten, speculaas and other Sinterklaas goodies, which I will bring to share!

📍Gathering 11:15 train station NS Bilthoven (north of Utrecht). The hike is a loop and end at the same station.

Beerschoten estate forest
We begin our journey at Beerschoten, a captivating 19th century park forest designed by landscape architect J.D. Zocher Jr. in the classic English landscape style. This peaceful estate, which was once a Women's Monastery, is now managed by Het Utrechts Landschap.
As we walk along unpaved paths through the park’s dense, peaceful woods, we will pass many old oak coppice bushes, meadows, and the remains of a beautiful corridor. We will explore the star-shaped forest, cross an ice cellar, wander through a cathedral forest, and walk past the fishbowl, umbrella lane, and spider web. The forest is truly a living work of art.

Sculptures park JitsArt
Next, we will visit the open-air JitsArt sculpture park located behind the pavilion. This park features a large permanent collection of monumental sculptures in bronze and marble, created by the internationally renowned artist Jits Bakker. Many of his works are inspired by Greek mythology, offering an exciting cultural contrast against the natural beauty of the surrounding park.
We’ll also have the opportunity to rest and enjoy a warm drink, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, while soaking in the artistic atmosphere of the park.
See also https://utrechtslandschap.nl/infocentra/paviljoen-beerschoten
and https://www.jitsbakkercollectie.com/beeldenpark-beerschoten/

Houdringe estate
We will continue our hike at Houdringe, where we’ll walk through forested areas interspersed with wide-open spaces. The park is grazed by horses and Scottish Highlanders, and the area surrounding the house is a mix of both English landscape and French Baroque-style gardens.
In the varied park landscape of both Beerschoten and Houdringe estates, with their closed forests and open meadows, we may encounter wildlife such as deer, badgers, foxes, and a variety of bird species. The very old trees here provide habitats for woodpeckers, tawny owls, squirrels, pine martens, and even bats.

Panbos forest
We will end our hike in the Panbos forest, a former shifting sand landscape. The forest is a mix of sandy plains and coniferous trees, with the old Scots pines alternated by sand drifts. We’ll walk along unpaved paths through the forest, with the occasional juniper bush adding a touch of wilderness to the scenery.

* After the walk, those who wish can join us for a drink at a nearby restaurant in the village of Bilthoven, just a short walk from the station.

'Art is loving every day, it is not the bread, but the wine of life.'
- Jits Bakker -

Through the woods, we hike with cheer,
Sinterklaas' spirit is drawing near.
With Carpe Diem, we’ll laugh and play,
Discovering Dutch magic along the way!

Three estates await in the Bilt so grand,
Houdringe, Beerschoten, and Panbos land.
Through Beerschoten’s stately lanes,
Where old oak coppices still remain.

Pepernoten treats and festive cheer,
We share these moments, year by year.
Hiking through nature, art, and lore,
Sinterklaas welcomes us to explore.

Deer and badgers, a bird’s sweet song,
In the park, the forest, where we belong.
Scots pines and junipers at Panbos grow,
A peaceful haven with much to show.

So come with us, this journey’s bright,
Through forests, art, and festive light.
With Carpe Diem, the fun won’t cease,
Together we’ll find joy and peace.

Notifications

• Meet up event fee: Eur 5,- (Eur 5,95 from 29-11) to be paid directly when signing up by tickie:
  https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=emSfjnGAk6XiIy7pNbyeMSjARs6YCSPJ
• We walk 4 to 5 km an hour average with 2/3 breaks, you should be fit for it and used to walks of -+ 15 km.
• Be aware that the hike will take the whole day, and the ending time is approximate..
• Bring sufficient water, snacks and lunch, although we might stop at a restaurant.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes and gear with layers and a rain coat.
• Carpe Diem is an amateur activity group, participating is at your own risk.
• The hike might be adapted/shortened in case of bad/rainy weather. Only with extreme bad weather, or a low number of participants, I may postpone or cancel it. Only in this case, you can receive a refund or credit. Please check messages the evening before the event for last-minute updates.
• Please sign up only if you plan to attend and are ready to pay the fee upon registration. If something unexpected arises, kindly update your RSVP as soon as possible. Please note that the event fee is non-refundable and we kindly ask to avoid last-minute cancellations or no-shows.
• Thank you for your understanding and support in helping to maintain the group with a smooth planning and organization.