Land van de Peel Textile Route │Made in Brabant

Here, you get a taster of the industrialisation in this region and of the textiles that still fulfil a significant role. Start at Helmond Castle and drive past major international textile manufacturers, via the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal to Aarle-Rixtel, then through ‘t Gulden Land nature reserve and water gateway and on to Gemert-Bakel. Gemert Castle and ‘t Gulden Land are also great places to start. The route takes you past two interesting museums, among other things, where you learn more about the handicrafts such as weaving that have been practiced here for years. Be amazed by the stunning country estates and castles, which you read all about on the route. And at the end of the trip, you will understand what makes this part of the Land van de Peel somewhat contrary. It is a strength that may well assure that the products from this region go all over the world.

It's in the blood
If everyone turned left, Anton turned right. And if everyone said A, Anton said B. You could safely call the 55-year-old from Helmond somewhat contrary. He didn’t even follow the beaten path in his leisure time. Every Saturday, rather than being on the football pitch with his friends, he could be found at a sewing machine. There, he made the most beautiful creations, preferably with colourful fabrics from the Vlisco outlet in his home city. His greatest pride was the stunning blazer he made for his brother who played in a rock band.

Anton dreamt of his own fashion line. He often thought back to his secondary school days at Helmond vocational college. At the time, he didn’t doubt it for a minute: fashion design was to be the next step. But his father, an engineer, kept trying to convince him to study engineering. And Anton’s grandmother thought he would make a good gardener, just like his grandfather. There was only one person who fully understood Anton and that was Kees, Anton’s uncle on his mother’s side. And that was because Kees also wanted to be a clothing designer. He encouraged Anton to follow his dreams as much as he could.

Things didn’t go as planned for Anton, however. In the 1980s, just as he was faced with the choice of what to study next, a major crisis dominated the globe. It was also clearly felt in the Netherlands, including through the high unemployment. Anton, therefore, chose a safe option under pressure from his family. He buried his dream of becoming a fashion designer and became an engineer just like his father.

Uncle Kees lived in Aarle-Rixtel, close to his nephew Anton. Kees didn’t become a clothing designer either but a history teacher. That meant he had vast knowledge of the area’s rich history. He knew all about the castles and country estates, of which there are plenty to find in the area. He knew about the Abbey of Binderen and how, according to tradition, it got its name. He knew about the key role of the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal and ‘t Gulden Land, the most important route for raw materials and products in the region for a century. He knew about the rapid industrialisation of which the Cacaofabriek (Cocoa factory) – now a cultural hotspot – is a permanent reminder. He knew of the farmers, which you still see many of today in this vast naturally green region. He knew of stubborn Gemert that was an independent mini state for centuries. And of the major influence of textiles on the local community, with star players such as Vlisco and Raymakers and of Van den Acker Textielfabriek (textile factory) in the past.

For nephew Anton, much of his career was behind him. His children had grown up and this mortgage was almost paid off. Furthermore, he had worked hard on his own collection on his free Saturdays. He increasingly questioned whether to give up his well-paid job and continue as a clothing designer. Uncle Kees was enthusiastic. He greatly admired Anton and his contrariness. Kees saw that as a strength; as a quality of someone with character. Someone who dared to make choices. And one day, when they were cycling together through De Warande, past the ruins of Peapark Villa and stopped for a moment at the Wesselman family grave island, he invited Anton for a cycling trip through the area. That might help him decide. Kees would show Anton that it was not so odd to work with fabrics and threads. And that was not strange being somewhat contrary. Being born and raised in Helmond meant it was in his blood. 

About this route
This cycle route was created by VisitBrabant Routebureau. The route was laid out via the North Brabant bicycle junction system. Simply cycle from one numbered junction to the next. Arrows show you the way between the junctions. If you encounter a problem with the route’s signposting, please report this to us via visitbrabant.com/meldpunt. You can also call 0800-4050050 (free of charge).

Made in Brabant routes
Brabant: the creative engine of the Netherlands. No less than 24% of the Dutch manufacturing industry production is still made in Brabant. Old crafts, industrial heritage but also innovative companies can be found in many places in the province, each with their own exceptional story. From old crafts such as tanning leather to brewing beer to the large multinationals and smaller creative businesses: Brabant has them all. We combine beautiful countryside with (old) industries and characteristic Brabant cycling and walking routes. 

Visit Land van de Peel
Discover the many highlights of the Land van de Peel. Come to the quirky southeast of Brabant and walk over wooden walkways in De Groote Peel National Pak or cycle past the blooming heaths on Strabrechtse Heide. Step through the gates of centuries’ old castles, experience the industrial history and raise a glass to the good life. Stimulate your senses in the many museums and explore the charming villages filled with sights.

In the Land van de Peel, wedged between Eindhoven and Limburg, unexplored paths spark your curiosity and challenge you to new adventures. Come and admire, enjoy and pioneer. Make magical memories in the Land van de Peel.