The best MTB trails in Luchensche Heide

The formerly dull woodland area has undergone a metamorphosis and has consequently become very attractive for walking. The area has transformed into a beautiful landscape with forests, fens, and heathland. The area is grazed by various types of grazers such as horses, cows, sheep, and Scottish Highland cattle. In winter, crossbills can sometimes be found in the tops of the Norway spruces. They feast on the seeds from the cones. Various walking routes have been marked out in the area, ranging from 4 to 9 km. These are accessible from the parking lot near the Keelven on the Provincialeweg in Someren (address: Bosrandweg 6 Someren) and the De Vlerken parking lot on the road from Someren to Lierop. The area is included in the Someren walking, mountain bike, and equestrian route network.

On the edge of the Strabrechtse Heide lie the Somerense Bossen, including the area around the Keelven. The area features a beautiful fen landscape. The fens were formed by the wind blowing sand. Water remains in the fens thanks to the impermeable loam layer in the subsoil. The fens are fed exclusively by rainwater. From 1930 onwards, the heathland was reclaimed and turned into a production forest, primarily planted with Scots pine. Since the primary function for timber production (former mining) disappeared and the quality of the conifers is mediocre, the nature development project “Keelven and Surroundings” was started in 1998. The aim was to make the area more attractive for recreation and to restore the heathland landscape. To achieve this, 15 hectares of poorly growing conifers were cleared and several smaller fens were dredged.

bridge and viaduct over the Eindhoven canal

The Roof of Brabant, located on the Gulberg near Nuenen/Mierlo, is an artificial hill that emerged from a former landfill and is now one of the region's most striking landmarks. With a summit of approximately 60 meters, the hill offers a panoramic view rarely found anywhere else in Brabant. From the summit, you can look out over the Luchense Heide, the surrounding forest, the Eindhoven Canal, and, on a clear day, even as far as Eindhoven and Helmond. The slopes of the Gulberg are covered with rugged grass and shrubs, making the area a habitat for birds and small mammals. The summit is regularly visited by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, but it remains a place where you literally stand above the landscape. The contrast between the natural environment and its industrial origins makes it a unique viewpoint that is always worth pausing for a moment.

heathland landscape really enjoy the peace and colors

Scottish highlanders can often be spotted at this special location

Nice

The Molenheide is a woodland area between Geldrop and Mierlo that, together with the Luchense Heide and the Verste Bos, covers 248 hectares. The area is owned by the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo. The area was once a heathland. Today, it consists of young pine forest. Several fens, including Wolfsven, Galgenven, Molenven, and Lisven, as well as some remaining heathland, have been preserved.