Through the land of the Peel Venen

Your route starts at Natuurpoort de Peel. The raised peat bog, of which De Groote Peel National Park is a remnant, used to cover approximately 30,000 hectares. The 4,000 hectares that remained intact retained its natural ruggedness. First you discover De Deurnsche Peel and the adjacent Mariapeel around the peat colonies Griendtsveen and Helenaveen, these are also remnants of the once extensive raised bog area. The authentic villages are nice places to take a break and soak up the atmosphere. You also cycle through Kwakvors, a nature reserve of wet grasslands and bird-rich ponds. You pass straight through the village of Meijel. Then you drive around De Groote Peel National Park. The raised bog area originated on a sandy plain with impermeable clay layers underneath, causing peat moss peat to form in the area.