The best road cycling routes around Berkendonk
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Road cycling around Berkendonk, located near Helmond in North Brabant, Netherlands, offers diverse routes characterized by mostly paved surfaces and minimal elevation changes. The area features a large recreational pond and extends into surrounding natural and forest areas, providing varied scenery for cyclists. Routes often incorporate pathways through nearby towns and along waterways, making them accessible for different skill levels. The landscape is generally flat, with the highest points being hills under 200m, suitable for consistent road cycling.
Best road…
Last updated: May 8, 2026
5.0
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68
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
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60
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
36
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.5
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37
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
26
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Only place in Europe where a windmill and a watermill are located close to each other.
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A beautiful cycle path right along the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal. You can take the exit towards the viaduct to Aarle-Rixtel or continue straight ahead to the junction at Dierdonk. The last stretch towards Dierdonk is the least scenic.
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A lovely, car-free road. From Beek en Donk, it first passes through a very small industrial estate, then through fields with horses. The road leads beautifully to a fantastic cycle path along the canal.
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A magnificent castle in the heart of the city. A real eye-catcher. Definitely worth stopping for a few pictures. Terraces are not far away, making it an ideal place for a break.
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It's a beautiful part of Helmond and a lovely nod to our city's industrial past: the crane track at the Cacaofabriek. The crane is no longer active. The track was installed along the canal in the late 1920s. At the time, the site was a coal and building materials business owned by Van Bussel. Later, in the mid-1930s, the crane was acquired by a transport and sand company: the Slits company. This company still owned it in 2009. Shipping For approximately eighty years, the crane track was used to load and unload goods from ships. From 1988 onwards, only trucks were loaded and unloaded. This went well until 2009. The Slits company wanted to demolish this unique structure and applied for a permit from the municipality. Why? "According to owner Dries Slits, there's no other option, because as a tenant of the site, he has to vacate the property by mid-July. The owner has sold his land to the municipality," we read in an article the ED newspaper wrote about it at the time. Protests Demolition wasn't easy, because the crane track had already been listed as a municipal monument in 2000. It's not surprising, then, that people protested the demolition. Among others, the Helmond Monuments Working Group filed an objection. In November 2009, the decision was made: the municipality purchased the crane track. Renovation When the municipality became the owner, there were no plans for the crane yet. Because, what on earth were they supposed to do with it? The industrial area was being cleared, and construction began on the current Cacaofabriek (Cocoa Factory). By then, the crane track would no longer be useful. Yet, Helmond refused to part with it. In fact, they decided to restore the crane to its former glory. There was some discussion about adding a teahouse in the cabin, but that plan fell through. The architect investigated the possibility and soon discovered that the track would have to be shortened. Ultimately, the decision was made to restore the crane track as much as possible to its original state. Did you know, by the way, that the cabin is no longer operational? This is because the motorized section wasn't repaired. The renovation took about two years: the crane was completed in 2014. Now it's back in style by the canal. (Source: https://indebuurt.nl/helmond/genieten-van-helmond/mysteries/helmonds-mysterie-waarom-de-kraanbaan-er-nog-ongebruikt-staat~62895)
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Construction of the present (moated) castle began around 1325. It served as a replacement for an older castle (known as 't Oude Huys), which stood a few hundred meters west of the present castle and from which the foundations of a stone keep and other objects were found during excavations in 1981.
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This is a beautiful cycle path anyway. At the bridge over the Defence Canal two parts of the history of the Peel come together. The Defence Canal itself. And the extraction of peat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general terrain and difficulty level for road cycling routes around Berkendonk?
The road cycling routes around Berkendonk are primarily characterized by mostly paved surfaces and minimal elevation changes, making them generally flat and accessible. While most routes are easy or moderate, there are also some more challenging options available. For example, the Gerwenseweg Bike Path – Helmond Castle loop is an easy route, while the Dubbroek Nature Reserve – Kessel–Beesel ferry service loop offers a longer, moderate challenge.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Berkendonk area?
There are over 500 road cycling routes available around Berkendonk, catering to various preferences and skill levels. This includes approximately 130 easy routes, 347 moderate routes, and 34 more difficult options.
What kind of scenic features can I expect to see on road cycling routes in Berkendonk?
Road cycling routes in Berkendonk offer diverse scenery. You can expect to pass by the large recreational pond, cycle through forest areas, and follow paths along waterways like the South Willemsvaart canal. Some routes also feature historical landmarks such as Helmond Castle, or traverse nature reserves like Dubbroek Nature Reserve.
Are there any circular road cycling routes around Berkendonk?
Yes, many road cycling routes around Berkendonk are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Forest road near Strabrechtse Heide – Road along the South Willemsvaart loop and the St. Anthonis Nature Reserve – Oploo Water and Windmill loop, both starting from Helmond Brouwhuis.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Berkendonk?
The road cycling routes in Berkendonk are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.36 stars from over 370 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained, mostly paved paths and the varied natural scenery, including the recreational lake and surrounding forests.
Are there family-friendly road cycling options in Berkendonk?
Given the generally flat terrain and numerous dedicated bike paths, many routes around Berkendonk are suitable for families. Easy routes like the Pater Eustachiuslaan – Rijpelberg Cycle Path loop offer shorter distances and minimal elevation, making them ideal for a family outing.
Can I bring my dog on the road cycling trails in Berkendonk?
While the Berkendonk area includes nature parts and forests, specific rules regarding dogs on road cycling trails can vary. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife. Always check local signage for any restrictions.
What facilities are available at the Berkendonk recreational area?
The Berkendonk recreational area offers a range of facilities to enhance your visit. These include toilets, showers, catering options, and playgrounds, making it a convenient stop during or after your ride.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the road cycling routes in Berkendonk?
Yes, the recreational area itself includes catering facilities. Additionally, given Berkendonk's proximity to Helmond and other towns, you can find cafes and restaurants in nearby urban centers, perfect for a coffee stop or a meal after your ride.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Berkendonk?
The region's flat terrain makes it suitable for road cycling for much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. While winter can be cold, the nearby Het Buntven can transform into a natural ice rink, offering a unique seasonal attraction, though cycling conditions might be less ideal.
Is there parking available for road cyclists at Berkendonk?
Yes, the Berkendonk recreational area provides parking facilities, making it convenient for road cyclists to access the routes. It is recommended to visit by bicycle on busy days, but parking is available for those who drive.
How can I reach Berkendonk using public transport for cycling?
Berkendonk is located near Helmond, which is well-connected by public transport. You can typically reach Helmond by train, and from there, local buses or a short ride can take you to the Berkendonk recreational area. Check local public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
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