Fen route Groote Heide and Leenderbos

This cycle route along numerous fens starts at Het Wapen van Westerhoven. You make a nice round around Valkenswaard and cross the Dommel. Then you cycle into the municipal forests of Waalre, where you will see the Meertjesven. You will also pass several fens on the Groote Heide, which are part of the Diepmeerven nature reserve: the Witven, the Diepe Meerven and the Drooge Meerven. Heath sheep were first washed in the Witven before shearing, hence the name. During warm periods the fens sometimes dry out because they are not that deep. Outside of heathland you will see a lot of drifting sand, pine, oak and birch. You cycle back to your starting point via the beautiful old village of Leende and the extensive Leenderbossen, past the old water mill in Venbergen.