Hageven. 🐕

Hageven, Bergeijk in North Brabant

Hiking tour through the cross-border nature reserve De Plateaux-Hageven. De Plateaux consists of an area of varied forest, heath, fens, and flowery meadows, the first part of the hike goes through the diverse forest. After passing the river Dommel in Belgian territory, the hike goes through a small piece of agricultural land and along the edge of the Belgian town of Neerpelt to the visitor center Hageven. In the immediate vicinity of the visitor center, the river Dommel is followed through the nature reserve Hageven. At two locations, you pass a birdwatching hide, especially the second one is certainly worth a visit. From this high birdwatching hide, there is a wide view over the Hageven and the De Plateaux behind it. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Dommel, you return to the Dutch part of the area. This part of De Plateaux on the border with Belgium consists of a vast open area with heath and fens, after which in the last part of the hike, the flowery meadows in the Pelterheggen are visited. The flowery meadows are former hay meadows that were irrigated with the help of a water system. In the 19th century, there was a high demand for hay for horses. To make the poor soil on De Plateaux suitable for hay meadows, an irrigation system was devised. 88% of this hike is unpaved.