Through Belgian villages and the Dommel Valley

This ride takes you through rolling fields, through open countryside and through a number of friendly Flemish villages. The area you cycle through is located on the northern flank of the Kempen Plateau. To the west you drive through the Dommel Valley, with the mouth of the Dommel River. The picturesque landscape of the Dommel Valley consists of fields with hedgerows, alder forests, poplar plantations and fish ponds. On the blue grasslands you will find the spotted orchid, blue button and quaking grass. It is home to many rare birds, such as the leaf wren, sparrow warbler, field warbler and dwarf bunting. The area is also of great cultural-historical importance due to the watermills and burial mounds that dot the landscape.

Water mill the Wedelse Molen is located on the Dommel river. According to some sources, the mill already existed in the 8th century, which would mean that it is the oldest water mill in the Benelux. The mill was in operation as a flour mill until 1957. Electricity has been generated using hydropower since 1980. In 1995, the mill, the locks and the bank reinforcement were given the status of a protected monument.