From Sint-Michielsgestel, the river Dommel is soon followed in the direction of the Haanwijk estate. Estate Haanwijk is located in the brook valley of the Dommel. In the time of the Romans there was already habitation in the nature reserve. The area was also used by people in the Middle Ages, from that time are the low dikes that are still in the area. The lower areas were often flooded, with the help of dikes to keep the residents dry. A number of times the walking tour goes over such dikes. The country house Haanwijk dates from the 17th century, the park forest was laid out in the English landscape style. The Bossche Broek is originally a swampy peat area. When 's-Hertogenbosch was founded in 1185, these marshlands formed a natural defense work next to the fortress walls. Due to its great military and strategic importance, the area has remained virtually untouched. In the area one encounters a number of metal poles with the inscription Forbidden Circles. The Circles Act of 1853 divided the area around the defenses into zones of 300, 600 and 1000 meters, the so-called Forbidden Circles. In the inner circle the strictest rules applied, but in the outer circle the army could clear all obstacles without mercy in wartime as well. It is currently an open area with a beautiful view of 's Hertogenbosch, with St. John's Cathedral as an eye-catcher. Via the Sterrenbosch estate and the Haanwijk estate, the walking tour returns to Sint-Michielsgestel. Other sights include castle Nieuw Herlaar and farm Out-Herlaer with wall remains of the 1736 demolished castle Oud-Herlaar.