The Groote Heide
Six thousand hectares of stunning natural beauty stretch from the green southern edge of Eindhoven deep into Belgian territory. The Groote Heide is a tapestry of forests, heathlands, ponds, streams, and farmlands offering space, tranquility, and silence. Surrounding this expanse are charming Belgian and Dutch villages, along with Eindhoven—a vibrant, diverse, and trendy city. Six municipalities (Neerpelt, Hamont-Achel, Cranendonck, Valkenswaard, Heeze-Leende, and Eindhoven) collaborate to nurture and promote the natural wonders of their shared landscape.
The Groote Heide is a diverse and invaluable natural area straddling the Belgian-Dutch border. It ranks high in biodiversity, listed among Europe's top ten nature reserves. For those unimpressed by such accolades, a simple recommendation suffices: it's incredibly beautiful.
Outdoors, The Groote Heide shines brightest. Vast and expansive, it amalgamates numerous smaller nature reserves, each with its own distinct charm and offerings. These are interconnected by a well-maintained network of cycling and hiking trails, shielded from major traffic routes for peaceful exploration. Surrounding this network lies picturesque rural and agricultural countryside, complemented by numerous bodies of water. Countless ponds dot the landscape, while a network of streams flows southward, culminating in the Dommel near Eindhoven.
Preservation of its serene beauty remains paramount in The Groote Heide, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, beauty is meant to be shared. Directly connected to the cycling node network, La Marquise provides immediate access to this natural wonderland, inviting guests to explore its splendor firsthand.
Walkingroute 'explore Budel with Kuno'
(3 km)Welcome to Budel! My name is Kuno. Around the year 1500, I found myself in Cranendonck and gradually explored this area step by step. In those days, things didn't move as quickly as they do now, as you can imagine.
Walkingroute 'In het land van de Baronie en de Buulder Aa'
(11,7 km)As you approach through the ancient oak avenues of the Baronie of Cranendonck, you immediately sense: this is a special place. An area where multiple layers of history are palpable. From the castle ruins of Cranendonck Castle in Soerendonk (Zurrik) to the white neo-castle from 1917, this place holds remnants of a seventeenth-century farmhouse that once stood here. Expanded in 1938, it became the town hall.
Walking route 'de trappisten'
(7,4 km)It's quite an adventure through the area of Leenderbos, where paved roads alternate with sandy paths. With a bit of luck, you might still see the heath sheep grazing in the heathland. They play a crucial role in maintaining the heath's integrity, allowing all of us to continue enjoying this beautiful area.
Walking route 'heidetochtje'
Achel (7 km)For those visiting The Groote Heide, a great starting and ending point is the Achelse Kluis. Located within the Saint Benedict Abbey of Achel, this site recently inaugurated a stunning new visitor center. Here, visitors can discover comprehensive information about the local nature, the monastery's history, and its inhabitants. Make sure to drop by during your visit!
