From the Visdonk Estate through the Rucphen Forests

A large part of this route takes you through the Rucphen forests. This 1,200 hectare forest area extends to the border of Belgium. Originally there was a sand ridge with heathlands and a drifting sand area, but in the early 20th century the area was planted with conifers. Hidden between the trees, there are agricultural areas here and there and some spots with heather grass and drifting sand have been preserved.

Refuel with a tasty meal
The start and end point of this route is at Brasserie Lodge Visdonk. The menu here is full of tasty dishes, so you certainly won't leave the table hungry. A nice way to refuel from all the sportsmanship. The brasserie is located on an estate that has been extensively renovated in recent years. Would you like to stretch your legs before or after your bike ride? Then walk through the beautiful nature of the estate and enjoy blooming bell gentians and other beautiful plants and flowers around the Rozenven. After about six kilometers of cycling you will find the next attraction: the Heimolen in Rucphen. Get off your bike here to view a belt mill from 1866 and take a breather.

The Heimolen in Rucphen
Originally the Heimolen was a wooden octagon, but nowadays the mill has a stone hull. The mill was originally built to replace a small worn wooden windmill. The mill was in regular operation until the end of the 20th century, but eventually the mill came to a standstill. The dilapidated mill was bought and restored in 2008 by the municipality of Rucphen. That took several years, but since 2012 the mill has been completely complete and ready to turn on the outside. Now the mill runs occasionally with the help of a volunteer miller.