Sint Willebrord, Etten-Leur and Bosschenhoofd

A vast forest area between Roosendaal and Rucphen, which once formed an original cover sand ridge. On this cover sand ridge there was an area of heath and drifting sand, which was planted with conifers in the early twentieth century. This is how the forests were created, covering approximately 1,200 hectares, covered with wonderfully scented European larch, the well-known Scots pine and full Douglas fir. Agricultural enclaves are hidden like spots between the trees, but the original drifting sand and heath relics can still be found here.

The Rucphense Forests cover the entire area up to the Belgian border and therefore guarantee hours of cycling fun.

Upon arrival you can park your car for free in the parking lot. From here you leave in an easterly direction to the De Hoop mill. This beautiful round stone mill was built in 1840 and was used for grinding corn. The mill was last restored in 1977 and has been running at full speed ever since. The mill can be viewed by appointment.

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

The stop on the route is at the Mariakapel, which is also located 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 attraction on the route is the Heimolen in Rucphen. This round stone mill was built in 1866 and served as a flour mill. The mill was shut down in 2009 and then completely renovated in 2010. The mill has been in operation again since 2012 and now grinds on a voluntary basis. The mill can be visited weekly on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.