Cycling through the Deurnsche Peel and the Mariapeel

The starting point of this route is Hotel Eetcafé In D\\\'ouwe Peel. In the border area between North Brabant and Limburg you cycle through the remains of the Deurnsche Peel and the Mariapeel. In the past, these areas together formed an extensive raised bog landscape. Helenaveen was specially constructed for the extraction of raised peat, also known as 'black gold'. Nowadays, attempts are being made to make the area around Helenaveen wetter again, so that the raised bog can recover. In any case, it is a start, because peat moss and other typical raised bog vegetation are already growing. The Mariapeel currently largely consists of an open heathland with some shrubs here and there. Both areas are popular with all kinds of birds that breed here. During the migration season, cranes regularly land here in large numbers.