Brabants Vennenpad 1
BOXTEL - OISTERWIJK (18 KM)
PATH
BRABANTS VENNENPAD 1
Regional path (SP)
STARTING POINT
BOXTEL STATION
DISTANCE
18 KM
DURATION
3 - 5 HOURS
The landscape of Brabant exists for a part out of heathlands and fens. This landscape offers a beautiful variation of sights and is also during the winter period perfect for a hike. In between the train stations of Boxtel and Oisterwijk you can find one of the stages of the Brabants vennenpad. This is the place to explore the backgarden of Noord-Brabant. This Kampina where heathlands, forests and fens are waiting for you.
The first kilometers lead past the old farms that determine the landscape from the Boxtel station onwards. Some of these properties are protected by a dog which occasionally barks in the distance. The paved roads form the prelude towards the real hike. Soon already you will arrive at a small wooden gate. This is the only structure that still separates you from the Kampina. From here you just have to pay attention to your pace, nature and the signpostings.
The Kampina
The route takes you first along a path towards the forest where the dwarf shrubs betray the character of the heathland. With a bit of luck you will see a group of horses that is grazing a path through the grass in the adjacent pasture. It is here often very quiet. On the Kampina you need to follow the yellow-green signpostings that lead you from junction to junction. After a short stretch through the forest, the landscape will suddenly opens up, from here you are really entering the Kampina. In winter the heather field turns golden yellow with a blue-gray glow above it. This will give you an amazing sight.
"In winter the heather field turns golden yellow with a blue-gray glow above it. This will give you an amazing sight."
Oisterwijk
That changes when you reach the forest area around Oisterwijk. Where the open fields makes way for conifers, the landscape becomes green and the subsurface becomes swampier. Forest alternates with fens with beautiful uneven bank lines. For a moment you are in another world, where you notice nothing but the smells and sounds of nature. Along the small swirling paths you wander through the fens. Here you will find yourself for a moment alone with nature.
Quickly, actually too quickly you will walk out of the forest where the first wide and asphalted roads lie. The first signs of the habitable world appear in the large houses at the edge of Oisterwijk. The ancient town welcomes you in all it serenity. This is a good walk for a fresh winter’s day. From the finish at the Oisterwijk train station you will be get back to the start within five minutes. In the back garden of Noord-Brabant you can easily escape the busy world.
Do you want to hike this trail yourself? Check out the full hike below or at Komoot. Would you like to take another hike in the Netherlands? Take a look at the overview page.
