Through the land of the Peelvenen

Your route starts at Natuurpoort de Peel. In the past, the raised bog, of which De Groote Peel National Park is a remnant, covered some 30,000 hectares. The 4,000 hectares that remained intact retained their natural ruggedness. First, you will discover De Deurnsche Peel and the adjacent Mariapeel around the peat colonies Griendtsveen and Helenaveen, which are also remnants of the once so extensive raised bog area. The authentic villages are nice places to get off and soak up the atmosphere. You will also cycle through Kwakvors, a nature reserve of wet grasslands and bird-rich lakes. You will pass right through the village of Meijel. Then you will cycle around De Groote Peel National Park. The raised bog area was created on a sandy plain with impenetrable clay layers underneath, which caused peat moss to form in the area.