The best road cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving

There are over 260 road cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find routes traversing open heathland, forests, and canal-side paths.

The terrain in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving is generally characterized by gentle gradients, making it accessible for diverse skill levels. While the landscape is varied with heathland, sand dunes, fens, and forests, the road cycling routes tend to be moderate, with some easier options available. For example, the Looiweg Drawbridge – Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal loop from Beerse is an easy route.

Yes, Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving offers several easy road cycling routes. Approximately 78 routes are classified as easy, providing a comfortable experience for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal – Westmalle Trappist Beer loop from Vlimmeren, which covers 37.7 km with minimal elevation gain.

Road cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving showcase a diverse array of natural landscapes. You'll cycle through open heathland, expansive sand dunes, and tranquil fens. The routes also feature oak-birch and pine forests, with some sections offering scenic views along the Dessel-Schoten canal. The area's history as a former airfield, now restored to a nature reserve, adds to its unique character.

As you cycle through Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving, you can explore several points of interest. The Duivelskuil Pond, a former brickyard that transformed into a serene lake, is a notable stop. You might also pass by the Eksterheide observation hide, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting, or experience the unique history of the Old Airfield, now re-naturalized heathland.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the popular Border Marker 218 – Nieuwe Strumpt Road loop from Werf Sas is a 69.2 km circular route that provides a comprehensive exploration of the region's diverse landscapes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. Road cyclists often praise the varied scenery, from open heathland to canal-side paths, and the well-maintained routes that cater to different abilities. The peaceful environment and opportunities for wildlife observation are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the region offers routes with gentle gradients and varied scenery that can be enjoyable for families. With a significant number of easy routes available, you can find paths suitable for different fitness levels. While the region is known for its nature, it's always good to check specific route details for suitability with younger riders.

While road cycling can be enjoyed year-round, the spring and autumn months often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. The blooming heathland in late summer can also be particularly picturesque. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Absolutely. Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving is a haven for wildlife. While cycling, you might spot various bird species, deer, and other fauna, especially in quieter sections. The reserve also uses grazing animals like sheep, Galloway cattle, and Konik horses for natural management of the heathlands, adding to the unique wildlife experience.

While the region is known for its gentle gradients, there are routes that offer a more challenging experience. The majority of routes (187) are classified as moderate, and a few (3) are difficult, featuring longer distances and slightly more elevation gain. For example, the Hogewegmolen – Hollow Road and Climb loop from Natuurreservaat Eksterheide en omgeving is a longer route covering 96.2 km.

Yes, cyclists can enjoy scenic sections of their routes that follow the Dessel-Schoten canal. These canal-side paths offer flat, smooth surfaces and picturesque views, adding another layer of diverse scenery to your road cycling experience. The Looiweg Drawbridge – Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal loop from Beerse is a good example of a route incorporating canal sections.