The best walks and hikes in Malpie

Malpie is known for its diverse landscape, featuring extensive heathland, numerous fens, and areas of hay meadows, marshes, and swamp woods. You'll encounter sandy paths, and many routes include scenic boardwalks, especially around the fens like the Groot Malpieven. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for various fitness levels.

Yes, Malpie offers a wide selection of routes. There are over 35 hiking trails available, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate excursions, ensuring options for different preferences and abilities.

Malpie's landscape is defined by its beautiful fens and heathland. Key natural features include the expansive Groot Malpieven, with its iconic boardwalk, and other fens like Molenven, Wasven, Pastoorsven, and Vaarvennen. The Heather Landscape in De Malpie and the Malpievennen Trail are particularly popular for their scenic beauty.

Yes, many of the trails in Malpie are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the View of the Heidesee Fen – Venbergse Mill loop from Schaft is an easy 6.1 km circular route that showcases the fens and surrounding nature.

Absolutely. With its generally flat terrain and numerous easy routes, Malpie is an excellent choice for families. The boardwalks and varied scenery keep children engaged. A shorter, easy option is the Boardwalk at the Groot Malpieven – Great Malpie Fen loop from Valkenswaard, which is 3.9 km long and offers beautiful views of the fens.

Malpie is generally dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the trails with your canine companion. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.

Malpie offers beauty throughout the year, but each season has its charm. Late summer (August/September) is particularly stunning when the heathland blooms with vibrant purple. Spring brings fresh greenery and birdlife, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the fens can be picturesque, though paths might be wetter.

There are several parking options available around the Malpie nature reserve, often located near popular trailheads or access points. Many visitors park near Valkenswaard or the Malpie area itself, with designated parking lots provided for hikers.

While Malpie is primarily accessed by car, some entry points may be reachable via public transport, particularly from nearby towns like Valkenswaard. It's recommended to check local bus schedules and routes to plan your journey if you intend to use public transport.

The komoot community highly rates Malpie, with an average score of 4.38 stars from over 2,500 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the area's tranquil fens, the unique experience of walking on the boardwalks, and the expansive, picturesque heathland, especially during the blooming season. The varied landscape and well-maintained paths are also often highlighted.

While Malpie is known for its generally easy terrain, there are longer routes for those seeking a more extended hike. The Small pond – View of the Malpie Fens loop from Valkenswaard is a moderate 11.2 km trail that takes you through varied fens and heathland, offering a longer exploration of the area.