Mill route around Boxmeer castle

Boxmeer, originally called'Mere\\\', is known for the beautiful nature surrounding it. Boxmeer is located on the left bank of the Maas and is surrounded by meadow areas and the Maasheggen and Brestbosch nature reserves. It is wonderful to cycle through the vast landscape or along the banks of the Maas. You also cycle through beautiful Venray, which has traditionally been an agricultural municipality. The name comes from the word'venne\\\' and'ween\\\', this is because Venray is located in a place where they used to have to clear a lot of land before it was suitable for to use. After the Second World War, Venray took a new (industrial) path. From 1949 onwards, several small industries were established in Venray and since then the industry in Venray has increased significantly. Tourist highlight for Venray is winning the title"Best City Center 2012-2013\\\" in the'smaller cities\\\' category. You can park your car for free at Hotel Asteria Venray. The beautiful four-star hotel has a cozy brasserie, a restaurant and a terrace where you can enjoy a delicious snack before and after your bike ride. Play a game of pool or just lounge with a drink and a snack from the extensive menu. When you start the tour, you cycle to the Rosmolen. However, the Rosmolen is not a horse mill and never has been. It is an undershot water mill built in 1667. The mill was used as a grist mill for grinding rye. The mill house was damaged in 1944, when the bridge over the stream was blown up. The mill was fully operational again in 2000 and now runs on a voluntary basis. The mill is located on the Geijsteren estate, hidden among the coniferous forests that grow on this 700 hectare private estate. The bed of the meandering Oostrumse Beek is beautiful, but the Willibrordus Chapel, dating from around 1500, is also a beautiful sight on this estate. Then you leave for the beautiful Molen van Geysteren, which is located in the town of Geijsteren. This undershot water mill was built in 1897 and replaced a predecessor that stood on the same spot. However, the mill quickly fell into disrepair due to an electrically powered mill. In 1961, the mill and corridor were removed and the mill was converted into a home. Boxmeer Castle is also beautiful. The castle is located on a former island on the Maas and was built in the fourteenth century. Although the exact year of construction is unclear, the first written mention is from 1365. Until 1568 the castle was inhabited by the Lords and Women of Boxmeer, until the Royal garrison was housed there. In 1572 the demolition of the fortress was ordered. This set in motion a decline of the castle that reached its peak in 1780. Even the inner moat was filled in, but in 1782 two new wings were built on the castle. In 1897, the castle was sold to the sisters of Julie Postel, who established a hospital on the castle grounds. As a result, the castle was equipped with modern extensions in 1923. A castle museum is housed in the cellars of the old castle, which exhibits drawings and models that depict the history of the building and its inhabitants.