Walking tour rich in water for those who love village views and walking through the green edges around the two villages of Beek en Donk and Aarle-Rixtel. Both villages are separated by the Wilhelmina Canal but connected by the Zuid-Willemsvaart, the Aa stream valley and the Goorloop stream.
Distance: 17 km.
Time: 3h30.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: No info.
Trail: 57% unpaved.
Marking: See PDF route description.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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Hail cross.
After leaving Beek en Donk, the estate with Eikenlust castle is visited. The estate is located on the Aa brook and partly consists of forest and some farms. Between Beek en Donk and Aarle-Rixtel the walking tour goes through De Beemd, a small area with wet grasslands that has been overlooked for land consolidation due to its low, wet location. The walking tour goes to Croy Castle via some nice alleys and a visit to the Lady Chapel in Aarle-Rixtel. The castle dates from the 15th century, the lands and buildings surrounding it have been leased over the centuries. After a visit to the castle, the walking tour continues through a small park on the edge of Aarle-Rixtel towards Beek en Donk where the Goorloop stream is followed. In the outskirts of Aarle-Rixtel one passes a small crucifix. This crucifix is the oldest hail cross in the Netherlands and was seen as a means to ward off hail damage to crops.
Download PDF for route description and map.
