Brabant Monastery Trail: circular tour De Groote Heide

This monastery walk will allow you to discover the beautiful countryside around the Achelse Kluis in Hamont-Achel in De Groote Heide heathland.

2 hour 30 minutes 11.2 km


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This monastery walk will allow you to discover the beautiful countryside around the Achelse Kluis in Hamont-Achel in De Groote Heide heathland.

North Brabant monastery life
While walking, become acquainted with the life and work of the Brabant monks and nuns – then and now. Brabant Monastery Trail takes you past around fifty-five monasteries and abbeys in North Brabant in various stages. The total length of the trail is 330 kilometres, but there are also beautiful trails marked out around various monasteries. 

  • Signposting of the Monastery trail

    Simply follow the signs and walk along the route from one numbered junction to the next.

    Simply follow the signs and walk along the route from one numbered junction to the next.

Tips from Brabant residents

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Locations on this route

De Achelse Kluis Abbey

It is the starting point for a wonderful walking or cycling trip through the Leenderbos, the Groote Heide or the Beverbeekse Heide. From here, you can also easily reach the charming town of Hamont-Achel.

De Achelse Kluis
De Kluis 1/A

3930  Hamont-Achel
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De Achelse Kluis Abbey

De Groote Heide / Achelse Kluis Visitor Center

At the De Groote Heide / Achelse Kluis Visitor Center, you’ll get to know the region through interactive experiences. And all your senses will be stimulated!

De Groote Heide / Achelse Kluis Visitor Center
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Location of former Border chapel

In the centre of this heathland region among several remote fens lies the remains of what used to be a conventicle (a secret or unlawful religious meeting), during the period that lasted from 1648 to 1672.

Location of former Border chapel
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Den Doodendraad and National Border Post 175

Many “pungelaars” (smugglers carrying burlap bags filled with contraband on their backs) followed small forest paths and sandy roads to cross the border along the Budel-Gastel route towards Achel and vice versa.

Den Doodendraad and National Border Post 175
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De Achelse Kluis Abbey

It is the starting point for a wonderful walking or cycling trip through the Leenderbos, the Groote Heide or the Beverbeekse Heide. From here, you can also easily reach the charming town of Hamont-Achel.

De Achelse Kluis
De Kluis 1/A

3930  Hamont-Achel
Navigate to endpoint
De Achelse Kluis Abbey
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Route features

Route features
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Marked
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Themes
Monastery routes
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