Cycling through the Maasduinen from Afferden, longer route than 117579

Description
De Maasduinen National Park is a beautiful nature reserve near the German border. This route takes you through this elongated terraced landscape full of coniferous forests, heath plants and drifting sand areas. You also cycle a bit along the course of the Maas.
The centuries-old Well Castle
The starting point of this route is in the church village of Afferden. From here you cycle along the edge of the Maasduinen to the village of Well. The name of this village means 'mooring place' and thus refers to the favorable location of the village on the Maas. In Well you will find the Well castle of the same name, a medieval complex that was built around the fourteenth century. During the Second World War the castle was severely damaged. The castle was later restored and placed on the National Monuments List to protect the structure from now on. The castle cannot be visited from the inside, because it now houses a training institute. You can, however, admire the castle and its bridges, outbuildings and the historic garden from the outside.
Bleijenbeek estate
Then you cycle straight through the Maasduinen. After about 30 kilometers you can take a break at Landgoed Bleijenbeek for a snack and a drink. From here you can also follow route 530079 and route 530081 if you want to explore the area further.
The origins of the Maasduinen
The Maasduinen once consisted of large drifting sands. To keep that sand in check, all kinds of vegetation have been planted, so that the sand no longer drifts. The vegetation that was planted at that time is maintained naturally by grazing Galloways, sheep and goats. This is not only good for nature, but it is also nice to see.
This route is the same as route 117579, but from junction 66 it continues via a slightly longer route to junction 65. There you will return to route 117579.