Gravelronde Heppeneert, along the Maas and Hoge Kempen

This route is made for the gravel bike and starts in Oud-Rekem. Actually, this is the first loop of the Strade komoot route, which I made during the lockdown and is also in this Collection.

This northern loop is completely car-free. In addition to the gravel roads, you only cycle on bicycle paths and there are no motorways involved. Apart from some false flat strips, this loop is almost flat.

The first part follows the cycle path in the direction of Maaseik. You follow the cycle path along the Meuse and regularly turn up a gravel path through the floodplains of the Meuse. This way you feel even more connected to nature along the Maas. You pass the small village of Heppeneert, which is a popular pilgrimage site. Be careful not to fool anyone here.

Once in the Hoge Kempen you cycle deep through the forest on beautiful gravel roads. On quiet days you really don't meet anyone and that makes cycling so special here. Where in the Netherlands and Belgium can you cycle for so long without meeting anyone?

After you have imagined yourself alone in the world, you will finish again in Oud-Rekem. Enjoy a nice terrace or restaurant here before returning home.

This route resembles the "Hoge Kempen and Maas floodplains for the gravel bike" of almost 90 kilometers. However, this route follows the Maas for a longer period of time. This gives you a nice variety in the route; you start with the Grensmaas and cycle back via the Hoge Kempen. Ideal with a southerly wind if you depart from Oud-Rekem.