The Dutch-Belgian border and the country houses

We start this cycle route just below Rucphen. We soon pass the hamlet of Moeren. Here we find De Moeren Estate. At its peak in 1790, the estate covered more than 1,200 hectares. Now it is approximately 225 hectares. Seventy hectares are agricultural land and are still leased, the rest consists of forest and nature. There is also a country house in classicist style, four farms, a Flemish barn, a coach house and there are monumental gardens, avenues and avenues. We cycle further towards the village of Achtmaal. On the way we pass Marie Toevlucht Abbey. This is a Trappist abbey. The abbey is located in a quiet rural area, surrounded by forests and nature reserves. The community currently has 25 monks. Their lives are characterized by silence, reflection and prayer. Numerous guests visit the abbey every year. A guesthouse has been set up for them that meets the requirements of modern times. In Achtmaal we find the St. Cornelius Church. This is a Roman Catholic church on Pastoor de Bakkerstraat. The Holy Cornelius Church was built in 1863. The church was expanded in 1923-1924. It is a three-aisled cruciform church. The church has a square church tower with an eight-sided spire. When we continue cycling in the direction of the Rucphense Bossen, we pass the Dutch-Belgian border for about 3 kilometers. The Rucphense Forests are part of an extensive nature reserve of approximately 1,200 hectares. Where there are now forests, there used to be drifting sand. There are lonely flying pines on the remaining drifting dunes. The densely packed pine forest alternates with deciduous forest, grassland and heathland. The northeastern part is not accessible due to military use. When we leave the Rucphense Bossen after about 5 kilometers we head towards the end point of this route. Along the way you can enjoy a snack and drink at't Pannehuske and we will also pass the Wallsteijn country house and Marienville.