Route.nl fietsroute 123138 - De wildernis van Boswachterij De Kempen

Babbling brooks and beautiful dry grasslands, but also parts of a wild heathland await you when you cycle through the Kempen. Especially explore the Cartierheide during this cross-border tour, which starts from the Van der Mierden Bicycle and Tandem Rental. After parking your car in the rental company's parking lot, you can choose a means of transport for your trip: a regular bike, an electric bike, a tandem, or a scooter. If you want a truly unforgettable day, book a package and combine your bike ride with a session of (farmers') golf, a cozy high tea, or a fun workshop. For those who want to see more of the area, we have also set out route 123136.

When you are ready to start, you will explore the beautiful nature. The Cartierheide is a part of the Kempen and covers 172 hectares. The Dalems Stroompje flows over the heath and there are many moist areas. Birch marsh and bog myrtle shrub grow well there, but the bell gentian also grows in the wetter parts. The area is home to special reptiles: the viviparous lizard and the smooth snake enjoy sunbathing on the sandy ground. The moor frog also hops around happily, and in the ponds you can see ducks paddling.

The deeper you penetrate into the heart of the Kempen, the wilder the area looks. Star sedge and round sundew, as well as the delicate green flowers of the marsh clubmoss grow on beautiful marsh islands. On the banks of the brooks, you also find bog myrtle shrub, and the moor frog and crested newt enjoy their time near the water. The marshy area also attracts many water birds, such as the wigeon, the teal, and the tufted duck, but the wild swan and the bittern are no exceptions. Additionally, many nightjars live in the Kempen, and hazelworms and smooth snakes glide over the ground.