Heilig Landstichting, Cuijk and Heumen

Around Nijmegen, the Heumensoord is ready to be explored by bike, together with the Ooypolder. This is a water extraction area where mixed forests have also been created for recreational purposes. There are also heathlands and grasslands that provide the necessary variety. Yellowhammer, nightjar and long-eared owl roost among the trees. At the foot of the green giants there are fifty different types of mushrooms, so take your guide with you so you can look for the different types during your tour. The Ooypolder is, as part of the Gelderse Poort, an important nature reserve in Gelderland near Nijmegen. The flora and fauna here is also very diverse. On the higher parts you will find a lot of sandy soil and shrubs, while in the lower parts many grass species grow in clay soil. Due to water management, the original swamp soil of the polder has dried out. The result is that more trees now grow in the polder than before. In the polder, the observant cyclist can hear a black voice, bittern or great reed warbler whistling, but herds of Galloway cattle and Konik horses can also be seen. The Ooypolder was previously used as a 'reserve' for the Przewalski horse, which was subsequently reintroduced to Mongolia. Not only nature and polders, but also another typical Dutch element you will encounter during your cycle tour: a beautiful windmill in the village of Linden, which is almost completely surrounded by water. The Linden octagonal flour mill is still operational, but is no longer put into operation. The tower mill was built in 1869 and is clearly second-hand, but its exact origin is unknown. In the 1970s the mill fell into serious disrepair and a major restoration was carried out in 1985-1986. The mill was then given a new roof, refuge, scaffolding, table elements and thatch covering. Hotel Restaurant Rozenhof is located at the beginning and end of the cycling route. The spacious garden terrace looks very inviting after your bike ride. Take a seat and order a refreshing drink or something to eat. If you like it, you can of course also make more use of the hospitality and book a room in the beautiful hotel. You can then use our cycling package with route 136161, which also leads through the area from the hotel.