Starting point Assumburg Park

Assumburg Park is named after Assumburg Castle, which in turn is named after the hamlet of Assum between Heemskerk and Uitgeest. The thirteenth-century castle was home to several noble families over the centuries. Today you can stay in Assumburg yourself as a “young lord” or “young lady”, as the castle now houses a Stayokay hostel.

One circular walk starts here; halfway along, it is possible to cut across to the Heemskerk Centre starting point.

• The Time and Neighbourhood Walk (green) is an attractive circular walk through a protected archaeological area where building is prohibited. The route circles the remains of Oud Haerlem Castle (1248). Look carefully and you can see the undulations in the meadow that reveal the outlines of the former castle. An old country lane takes you across the railway to the Broekpolder district. The noise barrier beside the A9 not only keeps out traffic noise, but also offers fine views over the polder east of the motorway.

Near junction 84, you can follow Heemskerk municipality’s informal walking trail between junctions 84 and 83 as an alternative to the cycle path.