The best gravel rides around Kempen

Kempen offers a wide selection of gravel biking opportunities, with over 140 routes available. These range from easy to difficult, ensuring there's a trail for every skill level.

The Kempen region is known for its diverse and tranquil landscapes. You'll encounter extensive heathlands, dense forests, meandering lowland streams, and unique geological features like sand excavations and golden dunes. The routes often combine paved, unpaved, and semi-paved sections, making for a dynamic riding experience. Solid gravel tires are recommended due to the coarse gravel found in many areas.

The gravel trails in Kempen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful natural environment, and the extensive network of paths that cater to different abilities.

Yes, Kempen offers several routes suitable for beginners. There are 19 easy-rated gravel tours, perfect for those new to gravel biking or looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes typically feature less elevation gain and smoother surfaces.

Absolutely. For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Kempen has 46 difficult-rated routes. These trails often cover longer distances, feature more technical sections, and may include more significant elevation changes, such as those found on the eastern edge of the Kempens Plateau.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Kempen are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Forest path at the border – Lovely cycle path loop from Grenspark De Kempen is a popular circular option exploring the border area.

Kempen's gravel trails pass through a rich tapestry of natural beauty. You can explore vast heathlands like Cartierheide, tranquil fens, and dense forests. Unique features include sand excavations, golden dunes, and high land dunes, particularly in areas like the Hoge Kempen National Park and the Lommel Sahara. The region also features lowland streams and observation towers offering panoramic views.

Beyond the natural landscapes, you can discover several points of interest. The Lommel Sahara – Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower loop from Cartierheide takes you past an observation tower with great views. Other notable spots include the historic Postel Abbey, and the picturesque Lake of the Witches (Heksenmeer) in Hoge Kempen National Park. You might also encounter former industrial landscapes transformed into natural areas, offering a blend of history and nature.

While specific public transport connections to every trailhead can vary, many towns and villages in the Kempen region are accessible by public transport. From these points, you can often cycle to nearby trail networks. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules for the specific starting point of your chosen route.

Yes, Kempen offers several family-friendly gravel biking options, especially among its easier routes. The region's wide forest paths and quiet dirt roads are often suitable for families. Look for routes with minimal elevation and well-maintained surfaces for a comfortable family outing.

The Kempen region is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with blooming heathlands in late summer/early autumn. Summer can be warm but provides long daylight hours, while winter rides are possible, though some trails might be muddy or require appropriate gear for colder conditions.

Yes, the diverse natural environments of Kempen, including its heathlands, forests, and fens, are home to various wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, wild boars, and a wide array of bird species, especially in protected areas like the Hoge Kempen National Park, Kampina Nature Reserve, and Grenspark Kempen~Broek. Riding quietly increases your chances of spotting animals.

Definitely! The Kempen region is famous for its unique sand landscapes. The Hidden Sand Hills – Nice cycle path through the woods loop from Weebosch is an excellent example, leading you through sand hills and woodlands. The Lommel Sahara area also offers routes through distinctive sand excavations and golden dunes.