Through the land of the Peelvenen

Your route starts at Natuurpoort de Peel. The raised bog, of which De Groote Peel National Park is a remnant, once covered some 30,000 hectares. The 4,000 hectares that remained intact retained their natural ruggedness. First, you'll discover De Deurnsche Peel and the adjacent Mariapeel, around the peat colonies of Griendtsveen and Helenaveen, also remnants of the once-vast raised bog area. These authentic villages are lovely places to stop and soak up the atmosphere. You'll also cycle through Kwakvors, a small nature reserve of wet grasslands and bird-rich ponds. You'll pass right through the village of Meijel. Then you'll cycle around De Groote Peel National Park. The raised bog area originated on a sandy plain with impermeable clay layers beneath, which allowed peat moss to form in the area.