Cycling route Mariapeel, Deurnsche Peel and National Park Groote Peel
Cycling through an impressive peat landscape of lakes, heathlands, sandy ridges, birch forests and open plains.
The Landscape
The Deurnsche Peel and the Mariapeel are rare remnants of the vast raised bog landscape that once dominated the southeast of the Netherlands. Centuries of peat extraction have shaped this area into a rugged mosaic of peat lakes, wetlands, heathland, sandy ridges and young birch forests, where silence and space are still deeply felt. Cycling along well-maintained bike paths and wooden boardwalks, you pass dark waters and open expanses, immersed in a landscape that feels both wide and quietly mysterious.
On the border of Limburg and North Brabant lies National Park De Groote Peel, one of the quietest nature reserves in the Netherlands. Peat canals, cuttings and long stretches of water recall the era of “black gold,” while wind and drifting clouds sweep freely across the open landscape. Thanks to its tranquility, dark skies and water-rich terrain, the park is a prime birdwatching destination, where in autumn the crane can sometimes be seen as a striking visitor.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Around Deurne, you cycle along forest edges and heathland where sandy tracks and quiet paved roads blend naturally into one another. The transition from open heath to young coniferous woodland reveals ever-changing views and creates a fresh, airy atmosphere. Throughout the seasons, the landscape shifts in color, from purple heather to golden grasses and the silvery tones of birch trees.
Beyond the wet nature reserves, the landscape opens into quiet farmland with meadows, fields and long views stretching toward the villages. Straight reclamation roads and narrow country lanes create a relaxed cycling experience with plenty of room to take in the surroundings. Here, you sense how agriculture and nature meet, with the Peel forming a green boundary between these two worlds.
In the Mariapeel, Deurnsche Peel and De Groote Peel, you cycle past peat fields, reed fringes and waterlogged areas where water is always close at hand. Former peat cuttings and historic extraction patterns have shaped a landscape of channels, dikes and quiet pools that retains its raw character. This is the Peel in its purest form, with dragonflies skimming the water and birdsong filling the silence.
Peat cuttings and water pools appear along the route as clear mirrors set within the greenery, adding variety to the landscape and making the ride especially photogenic, particularly where the water lies close to the bike path. On calm days, the sky and reed beds reflect in the dark Peel waters, giving this stretch an almost painterly character.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through the Mariapeel, Deurnsche Peel and Nationaal Park De Groote Peel takes you deep into a rugged raised bog landscape of quiet pools, reed beds and vast open plains. You follow wooden boardwalks and pass peat cuttings where dark water and birch woodland combine to create a mysterious, almost untouched atmosphere.
This virtual cycling route lets you experience the Peel as a landscape of tranquility, space and sweeping views on the border of Brabant and Limburg. Ideal for riding at home on a hometrainer or e-bike, it immerses you in bird-rich nature while revealing the unique story of this former peat extraction region.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near bike node 32 on the Leegveld in Deurne. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
- Distance: 56 kilometres
- Estimated cycling time: 3 hours 43 minutes
- Total elevation gain: 51 metres
- 82% of the route runs on paved roads
- 18% of the route runs on unpaved and semi-paved paths
- Ideal for e-bikes and city bikes
- Along the way, there are several places to stop for coffee, a drink or lunch.
