Kempenland-West and Landgoed De Utrecht
Cycling through a diverse landscape with a mix of dense forests, open heathlands, fens, stream valleys, farmlands, and charming rural villages.
The Landscape
Kempenland-West stretches across the border region of North Brabant and Belgian Limburg and is known for its small-scale, varied landscape with a strong natural character. Vast heathlands, peaceful fens, and gently rolling sandy grounds form the foundation of the area, interspersed with dense coniferous and deciduous forests. The heath and fen areas create a mosaic of scattered nature reserves connected by a network of winding lowland streams. These streams meander through thick deciduous and coniferous woods and along open meadows, resulting in a dynamic and ecologically valuable landscape.
Landgoed De Utrecht is located in the Brabant Kempen and covers approximately 2,500 hectares. This varied landscape was created at the end of the 19th century through the large-scale reclamation of extensive heathlands, aiming to develop agriculture and forestry. Where endless heath fields once stretched, you will now find a mix of production forests, fields, meadows, and nature reserves. The dry areas are planted with coniferous and deciduous trees, while the wet areas have been converted into farmland. The estate also features several heath ponds, a small river, and a unique geological monument. The name De Utrecht comes from the life insurance company that purchased the area in 1898 and started the reclamation.
Forests and Heaths
Polders and Farmlands
Swamps and Peatlands
Rivers and Streams
Cycle with us through past and present
Cycling stories of sand, heath, fens, and hardworking hands
This 59-kilometre cycling route takes you through Kempenland-West. Once, this was a vast sandy plain, crossed by streams that shaped the landscape. From prehistoric times, farmers settled on the higher sand ridges. For centuries, the region remained poor and isolated. In the 19th century, this changed with the arrival of Landgoed De Utrecht. The landscape was partly forested, partly cultivated, but also left in its natural state. The route passes through varied nature reserves and past artworks that express the connection between people and the land. A touch of magic comes from the folk tale of the Gnome of the Rovertsche Heath, who appears when nature is harmed.
Route map
Start and finish near bike node 96 on the Twisseltsebaan in Hooge Mierde. However, this bike route is a circular tour, so it offers the possibility to start from any of the following bike nodes.
96 -95 - 32 - 47 - 48 - 1 - 62 - 61 - 2 - 3 - 23 - 20 - 24 - 49 - 30 - 51 - 32 - 31 - 27 - 28 - 69 - 98 - 93 - 94 - 96
- 94% of the route runs on paved roads.
- 6% of the route runs on unpaved and semi-paved paths.
