Water mills in the valley of the Abeek

The Abeek springs in the heathland of Meeuwen-Gruitrode and flows between the Donderslagheide and the Maas. The catchment area of this creek includes the Donderslagbeek, the Gielisbeek, the Hommelbeek, the Bullenbeek, and the Brijvennerbeek.
Together with its tributaries, the Abeek has carved out a gently rolling landscape. No wastewater is discharged, which is why the water quality is excellent. The creek is therefore listed as one of the better Flemish fishing waters. Residents have utilized the creek's water power since time immemorial. The first watermills existed before the 16th century. Some have been preserved, though in modified condition. The nature reserve Abeekvallei extends over the 16-kilometer-long upper course of the valley floor. The meadows of the valley floor are now maintained by Natuurpunt.

DIRECTIONS
Signposts for cycling routes.

SAFETY
Relatively safe roads.

TYPE OF ROAD
Paved paths everywhere. 15% car-free.

RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Church square of Meeuwen.

INFORMATION
Tourism Meeuwen-Gruitrode, Dorpsstraat 44, 3670 Meeuwen-Gruitrode, 4 011 79 01 72, ingrid.rutten@meeuwen-gruitrode.be, www.meeuwen.be (unofficial website).

BIKE RENTAL
Orshof, Heymansweg 2, Meeuwen, 4 089 81 08 00, info@orshof.be, www.orshof.be.

Food and Drink
Hotel-Taverne Ellekenhuys, Weg nach Ellikom 286, Ellikom (Meeuwen-Gruitrode), 4 011 61 06 80. As a hungry cyclist, you can definitely stop here: the food is very tasty and the portions are cyclist-sized.

Café Het Pleintje, Kirchplatz 4, Meeuwen, 011 79 25 17.