What The Hague: Cycling the Beach Path

By A Venturing Nomad.

Whilst the Dutch are known for their love of cycling, seamlessly integrated into everyday living, I can't help thinking this is largely due to the topography. The country is, of course, not entirely without undulations, however one area where there can be no faltering on this is along the beach, where from easter to October every year, the coastline of amazing, outstretched beaches is blessed with the a seasonal infrastructure of pop up cafes.

But this is no temporary tent-like tourist village. Every March, the cranes and containers arrive, and the building begins. Within just a few weeks, these cafes are fully established with functioning kitchens and bathrooms and cuisines that match any kitchen in the world. Beachside weddings are commonplace, as are large party gatherings of 200+ people, a demonstration of the sheer scale of the robustness of the ranch-like structures.

Once in situ, each cafe has its own particular vibe, from Asian fusion, complete with enormous wooden buddhas, to laid-back surfer dude style, offering kite surfing lessons as a side order. Some are more family-focused with playgrounds built to the side, and others definitely have a more grown-up clientele in mind.

All are open from breakfast until sunset, and what better way to end your day than with a glass of something while watching the sun dip over the North Sea, heading back to the English coast?

The cycling is easy, as even my six-year-old was able to complete several kilometres; the only thing that may make it harder work is the wind, so do check your preferred weather app for info before making any plans.

If you are 'taking the weather with you', you are in for a total treat as the cycle path has a cafe every few hundred meters, which will support any weary legs, but there is a whole lot more besides.

Dotted along the beach are bunkers which formed part of Hitler's Atlantik Wall, a sea defence system stretching the entire coast, and, with many parts still open, small towns fully dug out under the coastline in preparation for the Allied invasion of the 1940s.

In addition to beaches and bunkers, there is an array of wildlife to make you stop and stare, some more indigenous than others. The spoonbills and oyster catches are magnificent; however, it was the highland cattle and mountain goats that were a little more unexpected, with the latter straight from the pages of the childhood book three Billy Goats Gruff; all I was now looking for was the troll under the bridge.

Thankfully, all we had to contend with was tethering our bicycles to the plentiful parking bars and walking barefoot towards our next stop.

Coffee or rose, coffee or rose, hmmmm - you decide!

As stated, the beach cafes are plentiful, and I have noted some of our favourites to give you a flavour.

• Beachclub Birds 
• The Coast Beach House 
• Strandpaviljoen De Kwartel 

Remember, they are open from Easter until October, so the websites may say they are temporarily closed. That is quite funny, as they have not been built yet!

Not travelling overseas until age 19, this Venturing Nomad's work and life have taken her to just under 70 countries, with more adventures always planned. Twelve years as a Diplomat led to excitement and adventures across the globe, and she is now enjoying travelling with her young daughter and seeing the world afresh through her eyes.

A published author in fact and fiction, she firmly believes in the mantra "take only photos - leave only footprints". More of a feeder than a foodie, she has cooked her way around the globe, from the hill tribes in Thailand, Nonna's kitchen in Italy to the beachfront hotel in Morocco. There is always a story and, more importantly, a recipe.

You can contact her at [email protected]