Slapertweg and Nistelrooise Baan Loop

Starting from the outskirts of Nistelrode, a small village in North Brabant, the Slapertweg and Nistelrooise Baan Loop offers a gentle 14 km (about 8.7 miles) circuit with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. The trailhead is conveniently located near the intersection of Slapertweg and Nistelrooise Baan, just east of Nistelrode’s village center. For those arriving by public transport, buses from Oss or Uden stop at Nistelrode, from where it’s a short walk to the starting point. Drivers will find parking options near the village or at the edge of the Slabroekse Heide nature area.

Landscape and Nature

The route meanders through the tranquil landscapes of the Maashorst, one of the largest contiguous nature reserves in North Brabant. Expect a mosaic of heathland, ancient oak and pine forests, and open meadows. The Maashorst is renowned for its biodiversity—keep an eye out for grazing Exmoor ponies and Tauros cattle, both part of local rewilding projects. In spring and summer, wildflowers blanket the heath, attracting butterflies and songbirds. The area is also home to rare sand lizards and, if you’re lucky, you might spot a European badger near the woodland edges.

Points of Interest and Historical Significance

About 4 km (2.5 miles) into the loop, the trail skirts the edge of the Slabroekse Heide, a historic heathland that has been shaped by centuries of grazing and peat cutting. Interpretive signs along the way explain the area’s prehistoric significance—archaeological finds suggest that humans have lived and worked here since the Stone Age. The Maashorst is also known for its “wijstgronden,” a rare geological phenomenon where iron-rich groundwater surfaces, creating unique wetland habitats.

At roughly the halfway point, near the Nistelrooise Baan, you’ll pass close to the visitor center at Natuurcentrum Slabroek. This is an excellent spot to pause, learn more about the region’s flora and fauna, and refill water bottles. The center often hosts exhibitions about the area’s natural and cultural history.

Navigation and Trail Conditions

The loop follows well-marked paths and quiet country lanes, with clear signage at junctions. Surfaces are mostly compacted dirt or gravel, suitable for walking year-round, though sections can become muddy after heavy rain. For navigation, HiiKER provides detailed maps and GPS tracks, ensuring you stay on course even where the trail weaves through denser woodland or open heath.

Wildlife and Seasonal Highlights

Autumn brings a flush of mushrooms and the chance to hear rutting deer in the early mornings. In winter, the open landscapes can be starkly beautiful, with frost riming the grasses and mist hanging low over the fields. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars—woodpeckers, buzzards, and even the occasional owl can be seen along the quieter stretches.

Getting There

By public transport, take a regional bus to Nistelrode from either Oss or Uden train stations. From the village center, walk east along Slapertweg for about 1 km (0.6 miles) to reach the trailhead. For those driving, set your navigation to Slapertweg, Nistelrode, and look for parking near the entrance to the Maashorst nature reserve. The area is well-served by local roads, and parking is generally free and plentiful outside peak holiday periods.