By the Free Glory

De Stippelberg , one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Peel with an area of no less than 1000 hectares. In addition to rustic extensive forests, you will find a variety of pools, sand drifts, heathland and stately avenues. Up to eighty bird species breed in this area, and Scottish highlanders, squirrels, roe deer, hares and foxes also make their home here.

In addition to the Stippelberg, the route runs along the Peelrand Fault. This earth fault runs from Deurne in a northwesterly direction between Bakel and Milheeze to Gemert and further towards Uden. The layers of the earth on either side of the fault shift past each other in a vertical direction. The horst rises and the valley falls. The faults are still moving today. Sometimes with a shock, such as the earthquake near Roermond in 1992, but mainly very slowly.

The origins of Gemert-Bakel as the Vrije Heerlijckheid can be traced back to 1249. Around this time, the House of Teutones already existed in Gemerthe, an establishment of the Teutonic Order. This house is named after a member of the ruling family, Rutger van Gemert. This Heerlijckheid was characterized by various privileges and freedoms, such as freedom of religion and other (freer) legislation. In particular, the (positive) feeling and atmosphere (enjoyment/Burgundian) of a Heerlijckheid are still visible in the municipality today. The beautiful castle of Gemert is a reminder of the German Knighthood of the Teutones.