TOP Nature Cycle Route Nature Border Park De Groote Heide

Marvel at the deep purple heather, fresh green forests, streams, rivers and fens, and the many cultural-historical sights. De Groote Heide Nature Border Park in North Brabant is a unique destination for nature, tourism and recreation. The village character with urban facilities within easy reach is striking.

This cross-border nature reserve of no less than 6,000 hectares crosses Cranendonck, Eindhoven, Heeze-Leende, Valkenswaard, Hamont-Achel and Pelt.The cycle route runs through the De Malpie nature reserve with beautiful heathland, fens, woodland and the river Dommel. Due to its versatility, this area is ideal for relaxing walking and cycling trips. Fun fact: thanks to the unprecedented beauty of De Malpie, Valkenswaard was crowned "Walking Municipality of the Year" in 2016. That's promising!

The route continues through the Leenderbos which consists of beautiful conifers. Work is also being done here to bring back the heathland more and more. The forest is populated by roe deer, foxes, wild boars, hares and rabbits. Are you a bird lover? Bring your binoculars and look for the kingfisher, bittern, honey buzzard and nightjar.

Recommended by the forester
This cycle route was created in collaboration with the Dutch Forestry Commission. Erik Schram, forester at De Groote Heide Nature Border Park, recommends the route:

"An experience of the richness of Brabant's nature, cycling through the Leenderbos and over the Groote heide near the Belgian border. The Leenderbos and the Groote Heide are huge areas, about five thousand football fields in size. Especially the variation here makes it beautiful as far as I'm concerned. After a walk or bike ride, you can go to the Saint Benedict Abbey, the Achelse Kluis, for the home-brewed and famous Trappist beer."

Do you want to see more highlights of the Groote Heide? Check them out here.

About this route
This route has been plotted via the Brabant cycle junction system. Easily cycle from one numbered junction to another. Arrows show you the way between the nodes. Is there something wrong with the signposting of the route? Please let us know via visitbrabant.com/meldpunt. You can also call 0800-4050050 (free of charge).

Discover the nature of Brabant
In Brabant you can completely relax. Here you can enjoy a wonderful selection of carefully marked nature routes. These nature routes take you past the most beautiful places in the Brabant landscape. Be amazed by Brabant forests and fens or walk over beautiful boardwalk bridges. Discover all nature routes here.