Het Broek, Het Goor, De Flaes and De Hertgang Loop

Starting from the outskirts of Bladel, North Brabant, the trailhead for this 15 km (about 9.3 miles) loop is conveniently located near the intersection of Postelsedijk and Goorweg, close to the well-known Natuurpoort De Spartelvijver. This area is easily accessible by car, with parking available at the Natuurpoort. For those using public transport, buses from Eindhoven or Tilburg stop at Bladel, from where a short taxi or bike ride brings you to the trailhead.

Navigating the Route

The loop is almost entirely flat, with negligible elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers of all abilities. HiiKER is the recommended navigation tool for following the route, as it provides up-to-date mapping and waypoints for the entire circuit.

Landscapes and Natural Highlights

The trail weaves through a patchwork of serene wetlands, ancient woodlands, and open heath. Early on, you’ll skirt the edges of Het Broek, a low-lying marshland that’s a haven for waterfowl and amphibians. In spring and early summer, the area bursts with wildflowers and the calls of reed warblers. After about 3 km (1.9 miles), the path enters Het Goor, a tranquil peat bog interspersed with birch and alder trees. Boardwalks and well-maintained paths keep your feet dry while offering close-up views of dragonflies and, occasionally, roe deer grazing at the forest edge.

De Flaes and De Hertgang

At roughly the halfway point, around 7.5 km (4.7 miles), you’ll reach De Flaes, a large fen surrounded by pine forest. This is a prime spot for a rest, with benches overlooking the water where you might spot great crested grebes or even a kingfisher darting across the surface. Continuing on, the trail leads to De Hertgang, a mosaic of heathland and scattered juniper bushes. This section is particularly atmospheric in late summer when the heather blooms purple and the air is alive with bees and butterflies.

Cultural and Historical Features

The region is steeped in history, with traces of medieval peat extraction visible in the landscape. Old drainage ditches and embankments hint at centuries of human effort to manage water and reclaim land from the marshes. Near De Flaes, you’ll pass close to the Flaestoren, a striking wooden observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding nature reserves. The tower is accessible via a short detour and is well worth the climb for birdwatchers and photographers.

Wildlife and Seasonal Considerations

Throughout the loop, keep an eye out for buzzards circling overhead and listen for the drumming of woodpeckers in the older stands of oak and beech. In autumn, the woodlands are rich with mushrooms, and the changing leaves create a vibrant tapestry of color. The route is well-drained, but after heavy rain, some sections near Het Goor can become muddy, so waterproof footwear is advisable.

Facilities and Practical Tips

There are limited facilities along the route, so bring sufficient water and snacks. Toilets and refreshments are available at Natuurpoort De Spartelvijver at the start and end of the hike. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash in nature reserve areas to protect wildlife. The entire loop is well-marked, but using HiiKER ensures you stay on track and don’t miss any points of interest.