Saint Willebrord, Etten-Leur and Bosschenhoofd

An extensive forest area between Roosendaal and Rucphen, which once formed an original cover sand ridge. On that cover sand ridge lay a heath and drift sand area, which was planted with conifers at the beginning of the twentieth century. This is how the forests came into being, covering approximately 1200 hectares, covered with wonderfully fragrant European larch, the well-known Scots pine and the full Douglas fir. Like spots, agricultural enclaves lie hidden between the trees, but the original drift sand and heath relics can still be found here.

The Rucphen Forests cover the entire area up to the Belgian border and thus guarantee hours of cycling pleasure.

Upon arrival, you can park your car for free in the parking lot. From here, you head east to the De Hoop mill. This beautiful round stone belt mill was built in 1840 and was used to grind corn. The mill was last restored in 1977 and has been running at full speed ever since. The mill can be visited by appointment.

Then you cycle to the Bisschopsmolen in Etten-Leur. This round stone smock mill was built as a smock mill in 1744. The mill was sold to the municipality of Etten Leur in 1959 and has undergone several restorations since then. The mill has been fully operational again since 2006 and is now run on a voluntary basis.

The stop on the route is at the Mariakapel, which is also in Etten-Leur. This small chapel consists of a brick wall with a mosaic tableau. The small monument was built around 1962 by local residents.

The last sight on the route is the Heimolen in Rucphen. This round stone belt mill was built in 1866 and functioned as a corn mill. The mill was shut down in 2009 and then completely renovated in 2010. The mill has been in operation again since 2012 and is now operated on a voluntary basis. The mill can be visited every Tuesday between 10:00 and 14:00.