Chaam Forest Trade Route: Robbers | Stories at the Border

This varied 52km route takes you right through the Chaam Forests. It feels like endless green. Pause at the charming Ginnekenmarktje market or savor a taste of history at Cafe de Hooikar in Gilze. Continue your route through the agricultural hinterland of Breda and discover the charming village of Bavel. This route relives the story of the robbers on this historic trade route. View the traders' route here .

Discover the story of the robbers

The bike ride you're about to take will take you along a path now called Fietsallee. The Maastrichtse Baan, a trade route between Breda and Maastricht, once ran along this dirt road, sometimes as wide as a kilometer. The route was both famous and infamous. Want to join us?

October 1646 - Cornelis Smit lifts his head. A sharp pain throbs against his temples. He has only just woken up, and evening is already falling. Cornelis lives at night. He has no home. After fighting in yet another war, he lost everything. No money, no possessions. Only the clothes on his back.

In despair, Cornelis wanders through the Barony of Breda. This is the place where he was born. Along the way, he begs at an inn, where the light radiates from it like an inviting, warm glow. But what is it? He recognizes his old comrade-in-arms, Jan, in one of the guests. They strike up a conversation. And guess what? Jan has a solution for Cornelis's poverty.

A major trade route runs through this area, between Breda and Maastricht. At the Ginnekenmarkt in Breda, merchants load their precious goods onto wooden horse-drawn carts, such as sugar, spices, cheese, herring, wood, cotton, and ammunition. They cross the Duivelsbrug (Devil's Bridge), cross the Mark River, and head south. It's a long, arduous journey. This makes them easy targets, especially if they don't have a proper bill of lading signed by a lord. In that case, there's no protection from the authorities. The route they follow—at least as far as Alphen—at that time primarily runs through vast drifting sands and heathlands. This means the merchants have little shelter when traveling between two rest stops. And just when they're tired, Jan explains, we strike.

Cornelis decides: I'll go with Jan on the raid. He's not bothered by his conscience. The wars he fought have left him confused. Compassion for his fellow man is therefore far from his. Moreover, he's so desperate: he's capable of anything. And those traders, rich bastards that they are, can easily give a poor devil like him a piece of his mind.

Off they go, the next day. Besides Cornelis, two of Jan's fellow robbers join them. They look dangerous, with their black clothing, angry looks, and ash-blackened faces. It's not for nothing that they're popularly called "Blackmakers." They carry knives and sticks as weapons. But beware, warns the experienced Jan, the traders are also prepared. They usually travel in convoys, with a group of travelers gathered together. And they pay to be protected by the infamous "Haeneveren," a kind of mercenary of the less than desirable kind. You can recognize them by a rooster feather on their hat.

To avoid attracting too much attention, Jan and his gang travel on foot. In Gilze, near Alphen, there's "De Hooikar" (The Hay Cart): an inn where many merchants rest at night and pay tolls. At least, they only pay if they travel on the paved road between Gilze and Baarle-Nassau. Otherwise, they continue on this sandy path, which has the usual potholes here and there.

The robbers pass the Geuzenpad. In the twilight, they see a minister there, walking with a few churchgoers from Gilze to Chaam. The sight of the minister makes the weary Cornelis hesitate. Will he be punished by God for what he's about to do? He pushes the thought aside and quickens his pace.

Damn, those nasty streams near Chaam! The robbers can't go any further without crossing them. They each grab a long stick, walk to a stream, and take a running start. Everyone makes it across. Except Cornelis, who tumbles backward into the water. A soaking—that's not bad either. And it's already so cold and stormy tonight.

The urge for plunder hangs in the air here. Or so it seems. The infamous Adriaan van Campen also prowls the area. He prowls through the night, with his faded shirt, shoulder-length hair, and a dull cap. Can you picture him? Van Campen is on his way to Carel, a farmer with a huge farm near Bavel. Adriaan has been extorting Carel for a while, but so far without success. Well, if you refuse to listen, you'll have to feel. And so, that evening, Van Campen violently bangs on the doors and windows of the farm, shouting, "Open up, we're here!" Adriaan is alone, but by speaking in the plural, the farmer behind the door gets the fright of his life...

The band of robbers is stationed at the Eiken Mik. A huge tree, right in the middle of the path. The traveling salesmen are probably quite exhausted at this point: having started in Ginneken, Breda, they've already covered quite a few kilometers.

The sound of hooves is heard – the convoy is approaching. Will Cornelis, Jan, and the other robbers succeed in stealing the precious goods? Cycle from Alphen to Breda and discover the landscape of this exciting story!

Stories at the Border

Stories at the Border routes uniquely showcase the diversity of the province of Brabant. Brabant lies on the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as between the provinces of Limburg, Zeeland, South Holland, and Gelderland. The border has a rich history, with stories of smuggling, closed borders, and borderless collaboration. It's no wonder this border has always played a significant role in the lives of Brabant residents. Experience routes developed within this theme showcase the story surrounding the Brabant border and the province's limitless character. View them all at visitbrabant.com/verhalenaandegrens .

Borderland De Baronie, wonderful natural area

Grensland De Baronie is the green heart between Breda, Tilburg, and the Belgian border. This region used to be the "playground of the nobility," who enjoyed their estates here. Now it's a region where you can take a breather. In the immense greenery of nature. And with our people, who welcome you with open arms. By bike, on foot, or on horseback, you'll discover places you've never seen before. And marvel at the fascinating history of this area. Grensland De Baronie is a wonderful natural landscape where you can get lost in unique stories.