During a Turfstekerstocht, you follow in the footsteps of the peat cutter and discover De Groote Peel National Park in a unique way. You walk over peat paths and boardwalks in this expansive raised bog area on the border of Brabant and Limburg. The Peel guide tells you about the past and also lets you experience the vastness, the peat, and the silence in a special way.
Traces from the Past
In the landscape of De Groote Peel, the traces of the peat digging period are still clearly visible. In the heart of the area lies the large body of water 't Elfde. Curious about the origin of this name? You'll discover it during the tour. You'll also learn everything about the Peel and its history. After the tour, you can chat over a cup of coffee with a piece of traditional Limburg pie.
‘Dry’ feet by boardwalks
The route is 6 to 7 kilometers long and goes over the boardwalk and along various unpaved paths. A boardwalk is an elevated path made of wooden planks. These boardwalks have been constructed by humans, but wooden paths have been used for centuries. In other peat areas, boardwalks from Roman times have even been found.
Tip! Dress according to the weather and wear sturdy and waterproof hiking boots. Sometimes, a large pool of water hides beneath the layer of peat moss.
Bird Watching
A walk through De Groote Peel National Park is an introduction to one of the most bird-rich areas of Western Europe. Around October and November, a flock of cranes might suddenly land. At the birdwatching hut on the Meerbaansblaak, you can enjoy the reflections in the water and have a fantastic view of the waterfowl that seem unaware of any observer. So be sure to bring binoculars!
Learn more about this highlight?
For the peat cutting expedition on request, you can contact Buitencentrum De Pelen via depelen@staatsbosbeheer.nl.
Or you can book a planned excursion via the agenda.
Read on and discover all the details.