Sagas & Legends routes
6 amazing cycling tours through Brabant
If a country has more bicycles than inhabitants, it’s only natural to jump into the saddle yourself. Well-maintained paths through beautiful, mostly flat landscapes, cycle-friendly cafés and a smart cycle route system are the best ingredients for fantastic cycling trips.
In Brabant, the must-see cities and towns and idyllic countryside in between are so close together that it makes perfect sense to just leave the car behind. After all, Brabant has become something of a ‘mecca’ for cycling enthusiasts. If you wanted to – and had the time – you could easily spend six months of the year here cycling, as the possibilities are almost endless. For those who think that six months is a little ambitious, there is an easier way and there are a range of half-day to multi-day cycling trips on offer, all of which the same unique variation. Want to learn something about the region while you’re there? The following routes take you to and by truly impressive locations, where folklore, tales and legends really come to life...
The Dancing Cats of Bergeijk
The Dancing Cats of Bergeijk route takes you through forests and by this beautiful mill.
The Kattenberg is in the middle of the forests of Bergeijk. This burial mound was once terribly ‘bewitched’. Here, the witches danced hand in hand. Or should we say, paw in paw as, so that no one would recognise them, the witches changed into black cats. If as a man you walked by, the witches would lure you into the ring and force you to dance with them. And sometimes with fatal consequences. That is why every man avoided this place. Except for Dorus, the miller. Those who are courageous enough can learn how the story continues along this 22 kilometre cycle route – The Dancing Cats of Bergeijk.
The Glowing One
Two centuries ago, the people of the village of Eersel in the south of Brabant had little money. Still, they were happy and content. All except for one man. He was alone. He had no wife or children, and no friends. That was not surprising really as he had only one dream, and that was to get rich. The Glowing One route helps cyclists to understand why this man was cursed and where you might still run, or cycle, into him... Legend has it that ‘the glowing one’ still wanders the expanse of the Cartierheide to this day, a place where he committed his very worst crime. The 30 kilometre route starts at Natuurpoort TerSpegelt (Postelseweg 88, Eersel).
The White Feather Gang
The thrilling story of the White Feather Gang has been told in the De Langstraat region for generations. The White Feather Gang cycle route of around 43 kilometres takes cyclists to places where members of the gang left their traces, including The White Castle in Loon op Zand. The wonderful Loon and Drunen Dunes national park is also part of the route. Why not stop for a breather and take some souvenir photos for your collection?
The White Fox
The White Fox route reminds cyclists of the times of smugglers.
At the start of the 20th century, residents of Reusel and its surroundings lived in terrible poverty. Everything was in short supply. In order to earn money for their families, the residents of Reusel began ‘smuggling’. They would sneak across the Belgian border at night, laden with Dutch goods that would command a much higher price in Belgium. And vice versa. If you follow the White Fox route, you’ll be on the old smuggler’s trail. The 53 kilometre route has two loops – the northern loop of 28 kilometres and the southern loop of 25 kilometres.
Gnome King Kyrië
A tip for families with children: the Gnome King Kyrië route.
Also starting at Achterse Hoef holiday park, this route allows you to track down a mysterious population of gnomes. According to legend, the little creatures were good to people and animals, but they never showed themselves to humans. Only at night, when it was dark, would they appear and help the people of Kempen with their demanding work. Carpentry, baking, ploughing, nothing was too much trouble for the gnomes. So long as they were left alone. If they weren’t, there would be a price to pay! The Gnome King Kyrië route is dedicated to the Kempen gnomes. Along the 23 kilometre tour, don’t forget to get off, take a moment and enjoy the views of the countryside before you. The vibrant centre of Bladel is replete with restaurants, cafés and shops.
The Black Kaat
The Witch Tree in Bladel (Black Kaat route) is a real eye-catcher.
This route takes you through Kempenland, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of the ‘Black Kaat’, a witch who, at the end of the sixteenth century, plundered farms and churches with her accomplices. She and her gang also ambushed travelling salesmen. No one was safe from the Black Kaat. Along the 36 kilometre route, you’ll almost feel her breath on the wind. Or perhaps you’ll hear her cackling voice coming from the woods up ahead? The route starts at Achterse Hoef holiday park before crossing the village of Bladel and passing the Belgian village of Postel (also worth a visit!). For some unforgettable refreshment, try some of the delicious Black Kaat treats developed by local entrepreneurs. Kempenland is also home to the Zwarte Kaat beer, as well as cheese, ice cream and chocolate, all to remind you of the legendary crook.
Interested in incredible excursions? Brabant isn’t far away! Free brochures for these routes as well as other tour suggestions including cycle hub networks are available at visitbrabant.com
