E2
Description
- Length of trail 4,850 km, 3,014 miles
- Length in days 250 days
- Start of trail Galway (Irl)
- End of trail Nice (F)
- Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail
North Sea – Lake Geneva – Mediterranean Sea
Trail planned to measure 4850 km, from Galway in Ireland to Nice in southern France. However the Irish portion is as yet non-existent. The trail now starts from Stranrear in Scotland, Great Britain and runs (and is waymarked) through the Netherlands/Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, meandering in and out of France along the way. It ends on the French Mediterranean coast in Nice.
In Britain, after leaving the Pennine range, the trail splits into 2 alternative routes: the eastern route via Harwich, and the western route via Dover. After crossing to the continent the eastern route continues in the Netherlands, the western route in Belgium. The alternatives rejoin near the Belgian town of Zoersel.
The continental part of the E2 is almost identical to the popular GR5, the trail that connects Hoek van Holland in The Netherlands to Nice in France.
The E2 is made-up of many national trails:
Ireland
- Non-existent
- Galway will be future start
United Kingdom
Northern Route (unofficial)
- Inverness, start
- Great Glenn Way
- West Highland Way
Central Route
- Stranraer, current start
- Southern Upland Way
- St. Cuthbert's Way
- Pennine Way
Eastern branch
- Teesdale Way
- Cleveland way
- Yorkshire Wolds Way
- Viking Way
- Hereward Way
- Fen Rivers Way
- Icknield Way Path
- Stour Valley Path
- Essex Way
- Ferry Harwich – Hoek van Holland (Netherlands, connects to northern branch)
Western branch
- Pennine Way
- Staffordshire Way
- Heart of England Way
- Oxfordshire Way
- Oxford Canal Walk
- Thames Path
- North Downs Way
- Ferry Dover – Oostende (Belgium, connects to southern branch)
Netherlands (Northern branch)
- First village is Hoek van Holland
- Deltapad (LAW 5-1), Hoek van Holland - Bergen op Zoom
- GR5, Bergen op Zoom - Essen
Belgium
Southern branch, coming from United Kingdom
- First village is Oostende
- GR5a south, Oostende - Antwerpen
- Antwerpen - Deurne, Connecting trail
- GR565, Renier Sniederspad, Deurne - Zoersel,
- GR5 coming from the Netherlands, Zoersel - Diest - Luik - Luxembourg
Northern branch, coming from The Netherlands
- First village is Essen
- GR5, Essen - Ouren
- Last village is Ouren
Luxembourg (212 km)
- GR5 (red paint stops)
This could be broken down to the following paths:
- Our Path, Ouren – Diekirch. Near Hosingen, the E3 coming from the west joins the E2 / GR5
- Maurice Cosyn Path, Diekirch – Echternach
- Lower-Sûre Path, Echternach - Wasserbillig
- Moselle Path, Wasserbillig – Remerschen. Here, the E3 and E2 / GR5 are separated again
- South Path, Remerschen – Tétange / Rumelange
- Last village is Tétange / Rumelange
France
Switzerland
- Jura Höhenweg (southern tip, across Lake Geneva)
France again
- GR5
- Nice, finish
Opinions
- Joke ter Weele October 2011
- Rate 8
- Positive Well marked and laid out, through lovely woodlands, valleys and villages
- Henk Nouws October 2011
- Rate 8
- Positive I walked parts in Luxembourg and France. These parts used interesting trails.
Map
Links
Facts
- GR 5 / E 2 (Noordzee - Rivièrapad) (Dutch)
They hiked many parts of GR5 / E2: Lumaj Hiking Blog.
- Ramblers in Great Britain
Excellent page on the British sections of the E2 trail by the Ramblers organisation in the U.K.
- E-Route 2 UK Section - Dover to Kirk Yetholm - LDWA Long Distance Paths
Fact sheet for the E2 in Brittain: maps, accommodation, downloads.
- E2 – Outdoor Wiki (German)
Good overview.
- European Ramblers Association
General E2 description on the official website of ERA.
- LDWA Long Distance Paths - E-Routes
Overview of the E-routes in the United Kingdom.
- Wandelroute E2 - Wikipedia (Dutch)
Dutch Wiki page.
- Wikipedia
Short overview of E2 with general info.
- Internationale routes | Wandelnet (Dutch)
Short intro to the E-paths running through The Netherlands (E2, E8, E9, E11).
Reports
- GR 5: Hoek van Holland - Nice [www.gr5.info] (Dutch)
Iwan Oprins finished the GR5 in 2009, and maintains a very informative website. The entire trail is photographed. Including GPS waypoints, maps, accommodation etc.
- Hike the GR5 and GR 52
Website dedicated to this popular trail.
- Walking the E2 European Path
Andrew Stephenson walked ALL of the E2 (Western route) in the UK, from Stranraer to Dover (about 810 miles), and this is his excellent account!
- GR 5A/ GR 5 -Zu Fuß von der Nordsee in die Eifel (German)
Im Sommer 2009 von De Panne (Belgien) über der GR 5A, den GR 5(E2) und den Krönungsweg in die Eifel.
- GR5-E2 - Maastricht to Nice: Our Story part 1
Concise description of the GR5. "It took us two and a half month".
- Santiago Route | Ton de Maagt
Ton de Maagt's hike from Netherlands to Santiago, partly using GR5 / E2.
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
- FFRP - Federation Francaise de la Randonnée Pédestre (French)
Official website of the French Federation for Long Distance Hiking. Offering all you need for hiking in France. The FFRP maintains all long distance hikes - Grandes Randonnées - in France. The organisation participates in the European Ramblers' Organisation.
- GR Sentiers - Les Sentiers de Grande Randonnée (French)
Long Distance Paths Association of French speaking Belgium, Wallonia, giving short info on all trails in Belgium, a clickable map, a webshop to order guidebooks and maps online. Some info on lodging too. The organisation is member of the European Ramblers' Organisation and takes care of the E-Paths in Wallonia.
- Grote Routepaden (Dutch)
Long Distance Paths Association of Flanders / Belgium. giving short info on all trails in Belgium, a clickable map, a webshop to order guidebooks and maps online. Online info on lodging is for members only. The Stichting Grote Routepaden is member of the European Ramblers' Association, and they are responsible for the Belgium trajects of E2, E3 and E9.
- Long Distance Walkers’ Association
As they write: "The LDWA is an Association of people with the common interest of walking long distances in rural, mountainous or moorland areas." The Long Distance Walking Association is member of the European Ramblers' Association.
- Stichting Wandelnet (Dutch)
The Dutch Long Distance Hikes are called LAW, the equivalent of the French GR. This organisation - Stichting Wandelnet - plans and maintains the paths, and publishes the guides of the 40 or so long distance hikes. Recent route changes can be found here. There is a section with all trails loaded in Google Maps. Stichting Wandelnet is member of the European Ramblers' Organisation and maintans the E-paths in The Netherlands.
- Département du Tourisme // Luxembourg - Ministry of Tourism
In Luxembourg, the trail system is maintained by the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry is member of the European Ramblers' Organisation.
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books

Netherlands
2006
- Wandelgids Schwarzwald – Vogesen, Zwarte Woud Vogezen | Rother Wanderbuch |
- Uitstekende wandelgids van het Zwarte Woud en een deel van de Vogezen. Nauwkeurig beschreven met praktische info per tocht. De ‘Rother Wanderbücher’ behandelen telkens de 50 mooiste wandelingen, die variëren van eenvoudige kindvriendelijke wandelingen tot routes die aanzienlijk meer ervaring vereisen. Uitvoerige routebeschrijvingen, een... Read more
- Also available from:
- eBooks.de, Germany

Germany
2006
- Pollmann, Bernhard: Schwarzwald - Vogesen
- 50 Touren zwischen Basel, Straßburg und Karlsruhe. 1. Auflage Read more

Netherlands
2006
- Wandelgids GR 5 / E2 Luxemburg - Lotharingen Wandelen van Diekirch tot Schirmeck | Grote Routepaden |
- Uitstekende routegids met gedetailleerde kaarten en een routebeschrijving. Fout lopen wordt op deze manier wel erg moeilijk. Met symbolen is weergegeven welke voorzieningen (openbaar vervoer / winkels / overnachtingen) er zijn langs of bij de route. Een nadeel is dat de daadwerkelijke adressen dan weer niet genoemd worden. Deze topogids voert... Read more
Maps

United Kingdom
2012
- Birmingham & Wolverhampton, including The Black Country
- An all purpose map packed full of information to help you really get to know an area. The 204 Landranger maps cover the country. Each map covers an area of 40 km by 40 km (25 miles by 25 miles) and like other Ordnance Survey maps, National Grid squares are provided so that any feature can be given a unique reference number. Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

Netherlands
2012
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 139 Birmingham & Wolverhampton | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more

United Kingdom
2012
- Birmingham and Wolverhampton
- Map No. 139, Birmingham and Wolverhampton, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000, including Dudley, West Bromwich, Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Solihull, Bromsgrove, Chaddesley Corbett, Catshill, Alvechurch, Tanworth-in-Arden, Hockley Heath, Baddesley Clinton,... Read more
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 127 Stafford & Telford, Ironbridge | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- Ordnance Survey , United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Stafford and Telford
- Map No. 127, Stafford and Telford, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000, including Market Drayton, Calverhall, Ashley, Standon, Barlaston, Hilderstone, Stone, Sandon, Eccleshall, Chewardine, Adbaston, Hodnet, Childs Ercall, Edgmond, Gnosall, Woodseaves, Weston, Haughton, Newport, Crudgington, Donnington, Church Eaton, Penkridge,... Read more

United Kingdom
- Stafford & Telford
- An all purpose map packed full of information to help you really get to know an area. The 204 Landranger maps cover the country. Each map covers an area of 40 km by 40 km (25 miles by 25 miles) and like other Ordnance Survey maps, National Grid squares are provided so that any feature can be given a unique reference number. Read more

United Kingdom
- Newbury and Wantage
- Map No. 174, Newbury and Wantage, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000 including Didcot, Cholsey, Blewbury, Chilton, Steventon, Drayton, Goosey, Sparsholt, Uffington, Watchfield, Highworth, Bourton, Ashbury, Wanborough, Lambourn, Brightwalton, Great Shefford, Compton, Aldworth, Upper Basildon, Peasemore, Welford, Aldbourne,... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Ordnance Survey , United Kingdom
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 174 Newbury & Wantage, Hungerford & Didcot | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more

United Kingdom
- Newbury & Wantage
- Map sheet number 174 in the OS Landranger map series is the ideal map to use when planning your days out around Newbury and Wantage. The beautiful countryside in the Berkshire and Oxofrdshire area is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Highlights of the area include:- North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty -... Read more

United Kingdom
- Middlesbrough
- An all purpose map packed full of information to help you really get to know an area. The 204 Landranger maps cover the country. Each map covers an area of 40 km by 40 km (25 miles by 25 miles) and like other Ordnance Survey maps, National Grid squares are provided so that any feature can be given a unique reference number. Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 093 Middlesbrough, Darlington & Hartlepool | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more

United Kingdom
- Middlesbrough
- Map No. 93, Middlesbrough, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000, including Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, Brandon, Wheatley Hill, Hesleden, Trimdon, Hart, Sedgefield, Greatham, Mordon, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Stillington, Billingham, Walworth, Piercebridge, Sadberge, Hurworth-on-Tees,... Read more
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 188 Maidstone & Royal Tunbridge Wells | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- Ordnance Survey , United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Maidstone and Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Map No. 188, Maidstone and Royal Tunbridge Wells, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000, including Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Crowborough, Duddleswell, Rotherfield, Mayfield, Wadhurst, Ticehurst, Hurst Green, Bodiam, Sandhurst, Hawkhurst, Rolveden, Cranbook, Biddenden, Goudhurst, Horsmonden, Lamberhurst, Groombridge, Hartfield,... Read more

United Kingdom
- Maidstone & Royal Tunbridge Wells
- An all purpose map packed full of information to help you really get to know an area. The 204 Landranger maps cover the country. Each map covers an area of 40 km by 40 km (25 miles by 25 miles) and like other Ordnance Survey maps, National Grid squares are provided so that any feature can be given a unique reference number. Read more

United Kingdom
- Scarborough
- Map No. 101, Scarborough, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000, including Bridlington, Carnaby, Burton Agnes, Lowthorpe, Kilham, Langtoft, Fumber, Sledmere, Wharran le Street, West Lutton, Thwing, Flamborough, Burton Flaming, Weaverthorpe, Wintringham, Wold Newton, Reighton, Hunmanby, Filey, Staxton, Sherburn, West Knapton,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Ordnance Survey , United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Scarborough
- An all purpose map packed full of information to help you really get to know an area. The 204 Landranger maps cover the country. Each map covers an area of 40 km by 40 km (25 miles by 25 miles) and like other Ordnance Survey maps, National Grid squares are provided so that any feature can be given a unique reference number. Read more
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 101 Scarborough, Bridlington & Filey | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 118 Stoke-on-Trent & Macclesfield | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- Ordnance Survey , United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield
- Map No. 118, Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000, including Newcastle-under-Lyme, Forsbrook, Woore, Audlem, Aston, Madeley, Betley, Hough, Nantwich, Alsager, Kidsgrove, Endon, Cheddleton, Leek, Biddulph, Crewe, Church Minshull, Elworth, Sandbach, Congleton, Middlewich, Winsford, Holmes Chapel,... Read more

United Kingdom
- Stoke-on-Trent & Macclesfield
- Map sheet number 118 in the OS Landranger range is perfect for planning your days out around Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield. European walking route E2, using the Pennine Way, passes through the area so it is a great spot for all outdoors enthusiasts.Highlights of the area include.- The Potteries- The Trent and Mersey canal-... Read more
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 164 Oxford, Chipping Norton & Bicester | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- Ordnance Survey , United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Oxford
- Map No. 164, Oxford, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000 including Bicester, Chipping Norton, Charlbury, Witney, Woodstock, Kidlington, Abingdon, Didcot, Benson, Appleford, Drayton, Grove, Goosey, Dorchester, Burcot, Marcham, Chalgrove, Toot Baldon, Tetsworth, Fyfield, Shellingford, Littleworth, Duxford, Wootton, Cumnor,... Read more

United Kingdom
- Oxford
- An all purpose map packed full of information to help you really get to know an area. The 204 Landranger maps cover the country. Each map covers an area of 40 km by 40 km (25 miles by 25 miles) and like other Ordnance Survey maps, National Grid squares are provided so that any feature can be given a unique reference number. Read more
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 168 Colchester, Halstead & Maldon | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- Ordnance Survey , United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Colchester
- Map No. 168, Colchester, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000 including Burnham-on-Crouch, Hullbridge, South Woodham Ferrers, Cock Clarks, Maylandsea, Southminster, Tillingham, Bradwell on Sea, Maldon, Tollesbury, Great Totham, Tiptree, Witham, Kelvedon, Silver End, Layer de la Haye, Marks Tey, Coggeshall, Earls Colne, Halstead,... Read more

United Kingdom
- Colchester
- An all purpose map packed full of information to help you really get to know an area. The 204 Landranger maps cover the country. Each map covers an area of 40 km by 40 km (25 miles by 25 miles) and like other Ordnance Survey maps, National Grid squares are provided so that any feature can be given a unique reference number. Read more

United Kingdom
- Ipswich & The Naze
- An all purpose map packed full of information to help you really get to know an area. The 204 Landranger maps cover the country. Each map covers an area of 40 km by 40 km (25 miles by 25 miles) and like other Ordnance Survey maps, National Grid squares are provided so that any feature can be given a unique reference number. Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
.jpg)
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 169 Ipswich & The Naze, Clacton-on-sea | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more

United Kingdom
- Ipswich and The Naze
- Map No. 169, Ipswich and the Naze, in the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000 including Harwich, Felixstowe, Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, Brightlinsea, St. Osyth, Great Bentley, Thorpe-le-Soken, Weeley, Balls Green, Great Oakley, Wix, Manningtree, Ramsey, Brantham, Holbrook, Trimley St. Mary, Bawdsey, Kirton,... Read more
Forum
- Helen Dickson 2012-03-10 15:12:50
E2
- Does anyone know of a guide book for the Netherlands and Belgium part of the E2 please? I'm hoping to walk it in 2013.
- Henk Nouws 2012-03-11 09:47:29
- Hi Helen. If you arrive in Hoek van Holland, you will follow the Deltapad to Bergen op Zoom. There is a Dutch Guidebook with excellent maps. Then follow the GR5. Here is the guidebook for that part: http://www.groteroutepaden.be/nl/route/45/gr-5-noordzee---middelandse-zee---deel-vlaanderen.html For the Wallonian part in Belgium, check the books section in Traildino | GR5. So: three guides.
- Henk Nouws 2012-03-11 09:52:06
- If you arrive in Oostende, you will follow the GR5a South to Antwerpen. You'll find the Guide in Traildino | GR5a. Check the Description section above for the connecting trails. From Zoersel onwards, you will need the two GR5 guides listed in my answer above.
Hope this helps you out!
- aqdennis 2013-05-08 09:38:26
- Please note that since the end of 2012 the Dutch Deltapad (LAW 5-1) and the GR5 have been separated. The Deltapad goes from Hoek van Holland to Sluis on the Dutch-Belgium border, close to the coast. The GR5 coincides with the Deltapad until Goedereede where the GR5 goes inland to Bergen op Zoom.
When entering Goedereede along the canal arriving at the small bridge over the canal there is no indication that this is the point where LAW 5-1 and GR5 part. There is a red/white sign going straight ahead, but this is in fact the LAW 5-1. For the GR5 turn left, following the road towards the bus stop and the main road. Close to the bus stop there is a red/white sign, but it is not specifically indicated one's now on the GR5.
































