Cycling from Ell along the Maas

Explore the banks of the largest contiguous water sports area in the Netherlands. The Maasplassen, with an area of 3000 hectares, extend between various Limburg villages and towns. The water sports area was created by the extraction of gravel, which took place on a large scale in the twentieth century. When the lakes were created, the surrounding municipalities took advantage of them and managed to turn them into a wonderful recreational area. Pleasant marinas, nice catering establishments, beaches and campsites attract many people to the Maasplassen, while there are also beautiful nature reserves a stone's throw away. This cycling route also takes you to the most beautiful windmills and castles in the area, even across the Belgian-Dutch border! The Uffelsemolen is the old ban mill in the former Kessenich area. The mill in Haler was initially located on the Abeek, but now the canalized Uffelse Beek supplies the mill with water power. The first mill on this site was built in the thirteenth or fourteenth century, but in 1800 the long-gable farmhouse on which the wheel hung had deteriorated so much that it was decided to rebuild it. The Uffelse mill originally had three pairs of millstones, but one pair was replaced so that a diesel engine could be installed in the mill to which another pair was connected. The third couple continued to run on water power. You will pass one of the few remaining water mills on the Ittersebeek. The Armenmolen is a water mill that was used to grind corn. The undershot watermill was built in 1686 to give poorer people the opportunity to have their grain milled. The mill performed its function until 1950. The exterior still looks authentic, but the Armenmolen is now used as a home. After you cross the border with Belgium you will pass Groenenberg Castle. This beautiful castle dates from 1890 and is located in the middle of a beautiful 45-hectare park. With winding roads, curved forest edges and extensive lawns, the design of the beautiful park fully fits in with the typical image of English garden architecture. The park is an oasis of peace with beautiful plants such as azaleas, hydrangea and rhododendrons. Then you cycle to De Grote Hegge Castle. This breathtaking castle is located on the edge of Thorn, about 300 meters from the old center. This unique monumental location breathes history, but also has a modern touch. The castle is now used as a meeting center and has several rooms. Weddings, parties, funerals and coffee tables are organized here. You then continue to Heel Castle. This beautiful castle is located on the southern edge of the village of the same name. Heel Castle was first mentioned in 1264, but little of the old castle has remained over the years. The current building dates from the seventeenth century. The house has two lower side wings that were added in the eighteenth century. The castle cannot be visited from the inside. When you arrive in Grathem, you will find the Grathemermolen, a watermill that was built on the Uffelse stream in the center of Grathem. The history of the Grathemsemolen goes back to the thirteenth century. At that time there was a ban mill in Grathem that later came into the possession of a family that lived at Groot Buggenum castle. In 1915 the mill was converted into a turbine mill. Electric pumping stations were used from the connection to the electricity grid in 1930. The water wheel you see now is a replica of the original. The wheel was replaced in 1995 and linked to a cast iron interior from 1866; the oldest cast drive mechanism for millstones in the Netherlands. This interior came from the burnt Brunssumer Mill. Just over six kilometers later you will return to the starting point of the cycle route in Ell.