AstenseAa2 Vlierden-Liessel

(Click on the bold words for more information, not available via the app, but available via the website.)
This walking route is part of a series of walking routes, of which two routes from A to B and from B to C go, as well as four circular routes that overlap with the first two. This second circular walk takes you through the valley of the Astense Aa between Vlierden and Liessel and connects to the third circular walk AstenseAa3 Liessel-Neerkant.

The Astense Aa flows from the Verheven Peel to the Aa between coversand hilltops and low land dunes that slope northwest. This coversand landscape was formed in the last ice age (about 116,000 to 11,700 years ago). Between Liessel and Vlierden, the formation of the creek only began when the valley started to be reclaimed in the Middle Ages. Previously, the wetland and wet woodland were hardly accessible. Particularly from the Full Middle Ages (10th – 13th century), the landscape underwent significant changes. The traces of this are still recognizable in the form of the road and path structure, creek crossings, settlements and hamlets, old fields, dug waterways, and hedgerows. Although agriculture and livestock farming are still important for the appearance of this area, it is also noticeable that agricultural activity is no longer the main economic activity. Expansion of village centers, non-agricultural businesses in the countryside, and farms that have been converted into spacious homes testify to this. In recent decades, there has been increasing awareness of nature conservation and restoration. Water Board Aa and Maas plays an active role in this.

This walking route begins at the Bronweg, a side road of the Vlierdenseweg. There is easy parking available. From there, one mainly follows the left bank of the Astense Aa (upstream) to Liessel and returns via the coversand ridge on the right side of the Astense Aa back to the starting point.

The route goes over paved and unpaved country roads. Along the way, remnants of past landscape formation and landscape (re)arrangement can be seen. Nature reserves and agricultural landscapes alternate. Experience in what kind of landscape the first farming communities arose and how the medieval population growth influenced the landscape. Also, see how nature is under pressure and how efforts are being made here and there to restore a balance between man and nature.