{"id":9160,"date":"2022-11-17T14:58:38","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T13:58:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=9160"},"modified":"2023-08-31T20:32:41","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T18:32:41","slug":"graveling-in-border-park-kalmthoutse-heide-do-or-dont","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/gravelen-in-grenspark-kalmthoutse-heide-do-or-dont","title":{"rendered":"Gravel biking in Border Park Kalmthoutse Heide: do or don't?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Limburg Heuvelland<\/a>, the Veluwe<\/a> and the Utrecht Hill Ridge<\/a> are great places to cycle. We all know that. But at Cycling Destination, we also like to discover places that are a little less obvious. With in this blog: Digging in Kalmthoutse Heide border park<\/a>. A nature reserve between Roosendaal, Bergen op Zoom and Antwerp. And as the name suggests, it is located in both the Netherlands and Belgium.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kalmthoutse Heide border park <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide covers about 60km2 and if the park's website is to be believed, this nature reserve is of considerable ecological and cultural-historical value. Heathland, dunes, forests, meadows and fens alternate rapidly. All the ingredients for a nice bike ride! In addition, it is an official silence area. That means the sounds of nature dominate. So you will certainly find peace and quiet here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"gravel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"garmin,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Gravel<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We are curious, though, whether the sound of our tyres rolling over the forest floor is the only thing you hear here. And so we bikepacked from Breda via Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide to neighbouring Ossendrecht and back again. Forget our final destination, because Ossendrecht is not really a village for your bucket list. We chose this place because few hotels were available in the middle of the autumn holidays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for a nice hotel where your bike is welcome? Then take a look at which accommodations 'Cycling Destination Approved' are <\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you cycle from Breda towards Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide, we recommend going via the Vloeiweide near Breda, the Pannenhoef near Rijsbergen, Horendonk and the Wildertse Duinen. That way, you cycle through nature reserves as much as possible. Another tip is to leave in Bergen op Zoom and cycle via the Brabantse Wal to Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. This is a large nature reserve with a height difference of up to twenty metres, which gives you beautiful views. You can even see as far as Zeeland here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"graveling<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Digging in Border Park Kalmthoutse Heide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If Komoot is to be believed, we can totally indulge our gravel heart in this nature reserve. We therefore have high hopes for Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide! As we approach the nature reserve, the surroundings are already beautiful. We cycle in a lovely wooded area on fine quiet roads and gravel paths past villas. As soon as we cycle into the park, it turns into a gravel wonderland with beautiful dirt roads and views. \"This is what we came for!\", I think happily. To my friend Thomas I say, \"Wow, it's really beautiful here, isn't it!\". He nods in agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abrupt end<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, this gravel paradise comes to an abrupt end. A little later, as we cycle on a lovely wide cycle path with smooth tarmac and look out over a beautiful moor with grazing cattle, we have to turn right. Suddenly we come across a fence that makes it very clear that cycling behind it is not allowed. The only way into the area is to climb over a step.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Just turn around<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So we decide not to try, turn around and cycle on the cycle path along the moor. That way, we hope there is another turn we can take. What turns out? At every turn-off there is another sign (sometimes in combination with fencing) saying that cycling is forbidden. And so following the cycle path turns out to be the only option. Via some bridle paths, where we are allowed to cycle, we eventually get a glimpse of this beautiful nature reserve. But we largely cycle around it instead of through it. Too bad!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Dutch part of the Kalmthoutse Heide, graveling goes pretty well, but when we want to cycle back into the Belgian part the next day, we immediately encounter the same problem. Now some parts of the area even appear to be completely closed to visitors. Much of the nature is also private property. And so once again we cycle more around the area, than through it. Too bad! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read also: Everything you want to know about bikepacking<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prefer to go cycling, mountain biking or hiking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maybe we just chose the wrong paths and our gravel experience in this nature reserve was therefore a bit disappointing. But the places where you are allowed to cycle are beautiful! We therefore advise you to find out in advance where you can and cannot gravel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or another option; ignore the gravel. The cycle path we mentioned earlier is great for cyclists. Using the cycle junctions, you can make a beautiful round about the park<\/a> make. There are also multiple mountain bike routes<\/a> that are worth trying! Keep in mind that you need a vignette for these. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But do you really want to experience Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide in silence and see the most beautiful spots? Then we advise you to leave your bike at home and walk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n