Baronie route from Boshoven

We leave from our small campsite to the route house at the Bels Lijntje. And take the direction Alphen (turn right) via junction 63 we drive back to the village to reach the Maastricht highway with the Wilibrordus Chapel via junction 66. The Maastricht track was originally part of an old Roman highway that ran from the west via Gorkum to Maastricht and Cologne. It is said that around 700 Willibrord came to Alphen on his journey north via this road to preach the gospel. Legend says that Willibrord wanted to baptize the villagers at this place. When he found no water, he is said to have stuck his staff into the ground and water bubbled out of the ground. It is remarkable that this rather high-altitude place is also quite wet in summer. The chapel was built in 1937 and has already been rebuilt once. Forced by time, the pump was fixed and the niche was fitted with sturdy lattice work.
We drive through the woods of the Chaam forestry to Ulvenhout on a paved cycle path. What is striking is that there are more and more swamps and fens in these forests due to adapted management. Beautiful nature.
Eventually we arrive at the Markdal. A short detour is possible past Bovigne Castle, where the original barony route passed. Then back to the Markdal for the beautiful bike ride along the water towards Belgium. At Junction 43, a trip across the border is possible to the monastery of Meersel-Dreef and the prayer garden with Lourdes cave.
The Barony Route continues its way through the Strijbeekse Heide nature reserve. Where there are two nice stopping places. The brewery in Toontje Schoen's barn is definitely worth a visit. And the Pimpelmeesch beer that is brewed there is of course also for sale.
The route continues past the Bleaching Heath nature reserve and back to Baarle Nassau via the old Bredasebaan. There you can return to our campsite via the telephone line to rest. Or have a drink on the terrace in the enclave village of Baarle-Nassau/Hertog.