The Wiele of Elshout and Druune

This is a nice varied cycling tour on beautiful bike paths, along small ponds, nice Brabant villages, through forests and along dunes.

From Kaatsheuvel, KP51, cycle towards the Galgenwiel, KP20. Then along the Drongelens canal and after KP14 you come to the picturesque Elshoutse Wielen (little waters) and nature reserve the Hooibroeken. This area are old floodplains of the Meuse River and one of the 90 "wet" nature reserves of Brabant. It used to be very marshy here. It was created because the larger rivers burst their banks because of, for example, dike breaches. It is about 3 km away from the river Meuse. Currently, the area consists of swamp forests, poplar forest and pasture land.

At KP86 you have the opportunity to make a trip to Heusden, this is about 6 kilometers up and down. Then head in the direction of KP85. Heusden is an old fortified town with picturesque streets, harbor and the famous Vismarkt.

After cycling through Elshout and Drunen, you cross the Drongelens Kanaal at KP72. This drainage canal plays a crucial role in the region's water management, helping to manage both flooding and drought problems. It was dug around 1910 and is 19 km long. To reduce flooding in the low areas west of Den Bosch, De Loonse en Drunense Duinen became drier. This led, among other things, to changes from wet to dry heathlands; a change in flora and fauna. The banks of the Drongelens Kanaal provide an important ecological connection in this region.

Starting at KP72, this bike path runs along polders and soon through the forested part of De Loonse en Drunense Duinen. Then on the left you see the foothills of the dunes and the Roestelberg. This is a very popular place to walk into the dunes. Just walk up and enjoy this unique view. Afterwards, you definitely earned a drink in the beautiful tavern or on the terrace! As you continue cycling towards KP22 and Kaatsheuvel, it is worth making a stop at several farms for fresh local produce. Along the way and in Center Kaatsheuvel are beautiful catering establishments to treat yourself.