If there is one place in Brabant, where many outdoor enthusiasts go, then that is the dunes near Drunen. This beautiful dune area is perfect for a nice walk. It is also an inviting place for cyclists, with nice paths, beautiful nature and some nice variety too. That you are not necessarily in Brabant need to live there to cycle there, it seems logical. We rode from Zilverstad Schoonhoven to this nature reserve. A cycling route with a golden edge. The weather was beautiful and despite the relative crowds in and around the dunes, it was pure enjoyment. A wonderful cycling destination in Brabant country: the Loonse and Drunense dunes, in other words. Read and enjoy with us!
By ferry
Silver town Schoonhoven is glittering along the Lek as I park the car at Ruben's doorstep. Today, this is our starting point for a nice 100-kilometre round trip to the Loonse and Drunense Dunes. It promises to be a beautiful ride because despite the time of year, it being winter, the sun is shining brightly. Indeed, I even counted on a bit of short-short! Crazy. We get ready with a good cup of coffee and while Ruben puts on his nice set of wheels, I also get ready. Looking at the route map, we have to cross at least two big rivers. First the Lek and then also the Merwede. The first crossing is by ferry, so we start quietly.
Friendly talks
We turn and turn in the town only to run into the first other 'sun worshippers' at the ferry. Friendlies are exchanged and there is especially some demand for the wheels of Ruben. After the ferry carries us across, we start in earnest. The wind is still at an angle the first part, so it is hard work at first. The sun makes up for a lot and we roll nicely between the meadows. Initially, we set course towards Gorinchem. We pass places like Pinkeveer, Peursum and Schelluinen. Eventually we turn along the A27 motorway over the Merwede and so we ride into Brabant.
Loevestein in sight
We turn sharp left at the bottom of the bridge and follow the waterline for several kilometres. We drive towards the beautiful Loevesteijn castle, which is always worth stopping at. Yet this time we turn nicely, although: due to a small navigation error, we have to 'klunen' here for a while. Here we drive through the land of Heusden and Altena. It's actually beautiful here. After about 40 kilometres, having driven through several villages, we stop along the side for a corona proof cup of coffee.
The Loonse and Drunense Dunes
Just before the halfway point we turn into the nature reserve of the Loonse and Drunense Dunes in. Inland dunes in the Netherlands are simply stunning. You have several such dune areas, such as near Harderwijk, the Dwingelderveld, but also the Soester dunes are well-known. The big advantage of this area is that, despite the crowds, cycling is pleasant. The main reason is the relatively wide cycle paths. Occasionally we still have to dodge a lost pair of walkers, but in general it is quite manageable. We ride through a wooded area and suddenly the world opens up. A beautiful view over a dune area that seems to have no end. We can't help but stop to take (many) photos.
Way back
After a loop of almost 10 kilometres in length, we turn out of the nature reserve again and pass through the well-known town of Kaatsheuvel. Almost suddenly, we turn in the wrong direction, but with a bit of winding we ride back towards the land of Heusden and Altena. First we cross the Bergsche Maas by ferry and then we roll through the meadows again. The tailwind makes for a lovely bit of paddling this way. This part of the Netherlands is relatively quiet also with other cyclists. That makes it all the more pleasant. Along the a27 motorway and then further on we cross it again, passing Fort Altena. Meanwhile, we ride the outward route in the opposite direction again. It is still funny how the outward route looks different from the return route. We had not seen the windmills on the right on the way there. Now it makes a beautiful sunny winter picture.
To lunch
After finally arriving back at the waterfront, we took a breather. Almost 100 kilometres on the counter and feeling great. On the ferry, we have plenty of conversation again, cyclists are numerous here. Finally, we roll back into town, pass under the gate and park the bike for a well-deserved lunch. It was definitely enjoyable and this route comes highly recommended.
