AstenseAa3 Liessel-Neerkant

(Click on the bold words for more information, not available via the app, but via the website.)
This walking route is part of a series of walking routes, one route from A to B, a route from B to C and four circular routes that overlap the first two. This third circular walk leads through the valley of the Astense Aa between Liessel and Neerkant and connects to the fourth circular walk AstenseAa4 Neerkant-Meijel.

The Astense Aa flows from the Verheven Peel to the Aa between cover sand hills and low land dunes sloping to the northwest. This cover sand landscape was formed in the last ice age (about 116,000 to 11,700 years ago). Between Liessel and Vlierden, the landscape underwent significant changes from the Middle Ages. Further upstream, this only started happening from the end of the 19th century when dry and wet heathlands could be extensively reclaimed, thanks to the invention of artificial fertilizers. The land consolidation has also left its mark on this landscape. To the west of the Astense Aa along the roads Hutten and Kleine Heitrak, you can find the rationally designed landscape with straight roads, rectangular plots, and large-scale agricultural businesses. On the eastern side of the Astense Aa, the road 'Heitrak' was a link in the ancient passage through the heath and peat area between Brabant and Limburg. Both sides of the valley have their own charm.

This walking route starts at the parking lot opposite the mill in Liessel. From there, one crosses the Astense Aa and largely follows the left bank of the Astense Aa (upstream) to Neerkant and returns via the ancient route on the right side of the Astense Aa to the starting point.

The route goes over paved and unpaved country roads. Experience how vast the wild lands must have been and how the landscape has been shaped by rationally thinking humans. Also, see how nature is under pressure and how people here and there try to achieve a balance between humans and nature.