Marvel at the deep purple heath, fresh green forests, streams and meres, and the many cultural-historical sights. The Groote Heide heath in North Brabant is a unique destination for wildlife spotting, tourism and recreation. The area has a rural character, yet urban facilities are within easy reach.
This natural landscape area crosses the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, is no less than 6,000 hectares in size, and spans across the municipalities of Cranendonck, Eindhoven, Heeze-Leende, Valkenswaard, Hamont-Achel and Neerpelt. The cycle route runs through nature reserve De Malpie which boasts beautiful heath, meres, woodland and the river Dommel. Because there is so much natural beauty, this area is ideal for relaxing walking and cycling tours. Interesting fact: thanks to the unprecedented beauty of De Malpie, Valkenswaard was crowned the Dutch Hiking Municipality of the Year 2016. That's promising!
The r…
Marvel at the deep purple heath, fresh green forests, streams and meres, and the many cultural-historical sights. The Groote Heide heath in North Brabant is a unique destination for wildlife spotting, tourism and recreation. The area has a rural character, yet urban facilities are within easy reach.
This natural landscape area crosses the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, is no less than 6,000 hectares in size, and spans across the municipalities of Cranendonck, Eindhoven, Heeze-Leende, Valkenswaard, Hamont-Achel and Neerpelt. The cycle route runs through nature reserve De Malpie which boasts beautiful heath, meres, woodland and the river Dommel. Because there is so much natural beauty, this area is ideal for relaxing walking and cycling tours. Interesting fact: thanks to the unprecedented beauty of De Malpie, Valkenswaard was crowned the Dutch Hiking Municipality of the Year 2016. That's promising!
The route continues through the Leenderbos forest which consists of beautiful coniferous trees. Work is being done here to bring the heath back to its original state. The forest is populated by roe deer, foxes, wild boars, hares, rabbits and more. Are you a bird lover? Take your binoculars and look for the kingfisher, bittern, honey buzzard and nightjar.
Recommended by the forester
This cycling route was developed in cooperation with Dutch forestry organisation Staatsbosbeheer. Erik Schram, forester for the Groote Heide heath, recommends the cycling route:
“Cycling through the Leenderbos forest and over the Groote Heide heath near the Belgian border is an ideal way to experience the richness of the Brabant countryside."
How does the cycle route work?
The cycle route is cleary signposted. The intersection network is a network of beautiful and clearly signposted cycling paths throughout North Brabant. Each intersection is numbered. You can cycle from one intersection to the next.
Panel with map
The cycle paths are signposted with the intersection numbers and arrows showing you the way. Getting lost is a thing of the past! Each intersection also has a panel with a map, so you are always free to adjust your route if you wish. Grab your bike and discover our beautiful province!
You can park your car at the Venberg Mill.
Adress:
Molenstraat 211
5556 TA Valkenswaard
Mill at Venberg
The Venberg mill is a popular catering establishment and a nice starting point for your walk or bike ride. In its early years, the mill served as an oil mill, bark mill and grain mill, making it of great value to the local populace. The mill was renovated in 1900 and then restored in 1970 to bring it back to its authentic state.
The river Dommel
The river Dommel begins to the south of the town Peer in the marshes and fens of the Donderslagse Heide heath in Belgium. A tributary of the Dommel, the Tongelreep, also runs through the Groote Heide heath. Because the Dommel used to cause floods, water board De Dommel was founded in 1863 to prevent this from happening again.
Achelse Kluis
St Benedict's Abbey, better known as the Achelse Kluis (the vault of Achelt) is a beautiful monumental building on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands. For centuries people have come here for prayer and spirituality, but the abbey also has another function: it is an inn and a brewery of Trappist beer, brewed by the monks themselves. The perfect place to enjoy a delicious craft beer, and there is also a charming abbey shop!
