AstenseAa4 Neerkant-Meijel

(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, including a route from A to B, a route from B to C and four loop-shaped routes that overlap with the first two. This fourth loop-shaped walk takes you through an area that less than two centuries ago consisted of vast heathlands and inaccessible peat swamps. A number of nature reserves still remind us of those landscapes.

This fourth loop-shaped walking route leads through the area where the dug Astense Aa begins. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that large-scale peat extraction began here. The reclamation of the heathlands took place from the end of the 19th century. Thanks to the invention of artificial fertilizers, people were no longer dependent on animal manure and heath sods. Also, land consolidation has left its mark on this landscape. The remaining nature reserves are managed by Staatsbosbeheer. The water authority Aa and Maas is creating ecological connection zones between the nature reserves.

The walking route starts at the parking lot near the church in Neerkant. From there, the route follows part of the upper reaches of the Astense Aa to then pass some historical sites before reaching the Deurne Canal. Through several beautiful nature reserves, the route returns to Neerkant.

The route goes over paved and unpaved country roads and walking paths through nature reserves. Experience how extensive the wild lands must have been and how the landscape was shaped by rationally thinking humans. Also see how nature is under pressure and how efforts are being made for ecological restoration.