Walking stage 1: 's-Hertogenbosch - Boxtel | The Dommelpad Nature Route

Where people and water come together, measures must be taken to prevent inhabited areas from flooding. During this 21.5 km walk along the Dommel river, you will encounter several examples of this. But it is not only people who are being considered. The fish are also given the opportunity to complete their migrations. They are given a helping hand in this.

The Dommelpad

The Dommelpad takes you over a length of 125 kilometers from Peer to 's-Hertogenbosch and vice versa. With this 6-day walking route of an average of 20 kilometers per day you follow the current from south to north the story of the watermills. And upstream from north to south the story of nature on the Dommel. View the entire Dommelpad via visitbrabant.com/dommelpad .

The green jewels of the Dommel

The most valuable natural areas in Europe are part of the Natura 2000 network. The animals, plants and habitat are given extra protection here to preserve the diversity of species. The valley of the Dommel river and the adjacent natural areas are part of Natura 2000 and are therefore very worthwhile. You will encounter swamp forests, hayfields, fens, drifting sands, heathland and many more types of landscapes if you follow the course of the river. During the walking route you can see all this beauty with your own eyes. So put on your walking shoes and go!

On the way to the source

The Dommel rises in Belgium, near the city of Peer on the Kempen Plateau. Thin streams of upwelled groundwater turn into brooks and gradually a small river is created, which grows larger and ends 120 kilometers further in the Dutch city of 's-Hertogenbosch. This is where this walking tour starts. Upstream you walk a little closer to the source of the Dommel. Along the way you are treated to the most beautiful landscapes that the Netherlands has to offer.

Stream valleys

The water of a river like the Dommel leaves its mark on the landscape. For example, in the river valley you will find marshy areas, there are flood meadows and in various places there are fish ponds for which the water of the Dommel was used. A stream valley is characterized by the low-lying water with sandy soils around it that offer a lot of variation. This trip therefore guarantees a varied range of natural beauty!

Room for the river

Parts of the Dommel have been straightened in recent centuries to drain the water faster and to reclaim land. At the beginning of this century, this process was reversed in many places and the water was retained in areas for longer. As a result, the river was given more space to meander in the places that nature itself chooses, this is called meandering. High time to discover all this beauty!

The Great Heath

The Dommelpad runs right through De Groote Heide, a varied six-thousand-hectare nature border park that stretches from the Dutch city of Eindhoven to the Belgian city of Pelt. The landscape along the Dommel is formed by a string of watermills that push up the water. Discover the regional stories and all the beauty that this border region has to offer on degrooteheide.eu .

About this route

The Dommelpad is set out via the Brabant and Belgian/Flemish walking junction system. Follow the signs and easily walk the route from one numbered junction to another. Arrows point you the way to the number you have chosen. Is there something wrong with the signposting of the route? Let us know via visitbrabant.com/meldpunt . You can also call 0800-4050050 (free).