De Keyenberg, Het Broek and Zoning Spoor Loop

Starting from the outskirts of Horst, a small town in the Limburg province of the Netherlands, this 15 km (about 9.3 miles) loop trail offers a gentle, flat walk with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for most walkers and families. The trailhead is conveniently located near the Horst-Sevenum railway station, which provides easy access by train from major cities like Venlo and Eindhoven. For those arriving by car, parking is available at the station or in nearby residential streets.

Navigating the Route

The loop weaves through the rural landscapes of De Keyenberg, Het Broek, and the Zoning Spoor area. Using HiiKER for navigation is highly recommended, as the route passes through a patchwork of farmland, small woodlands, and quiet village roads, where trail markers can be sparse in places.

Highlights and Landmarks

The first section leads you through De Keyenberg, a hamlet known for its traditional Limburg farmhouses and the striking St. Antonius Abt Church, a neo-Gothic building dating back to the late 19th century. After about 3 km (1.9 miles), the trail enters Het Broek, a low-lying area characterized by meadows, drainage ditches, and willow-lined lanes. This region is a haven for birdlife, especially in spring and autumn, when migratory species stop over in the wetlands.

At around the halfway point, the route skirts the Zoning Spoor, a former railway line now repurposed as a green corridor. This section is particularly tranquil, with wildflowers and butterflies abundant in summer. The old railway embankment provides a subtle historical touch, recalling the days when this line connected rural Limburg to the wider Dutch rail network.

Nature and Wildlife

Throughout the walk, expect to see a variety of local wildlife. Roe deer are sometimes spotted at dawn or dusk near the woodland edges, and the fields are frequented by hares and pheasants. The drainage ditches and ponds attract frogs, dragonflies, and, in the wetter months, flocks of wading birds. The hedgerows and small copses are alive with songbirds, including blackcaps, chiffchaffs, and the occasional woodpecker.

Practical Considerations

The terrain is almost entirely flat, with well-maintained farm tracks, paved village roads, and grassy paths. Waterproof footwear is advisable after rain, as some sections in Het Broek can become muddy. There are limited facilities along the route, but Horst offers several cafés and shops for refreshments before or after your walk. Public toilets are available at the railway station.

For those interested in local history, the area around De Keyenberg has seen significant changes in recent years due to lignite mining, with some nearby villages relocated or abandoned. Interpretive signs along the route provide insight into the region’s agricultural and industrial past.

This loop is ideal for a relaxed day out, offering a blend of rural scenery, local heritage, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, all easily accessible from the heart of Limburg.