Discover Beek en Donk: Holiday rentals for nature trails and local history

Beek en Donk can be discovered through a variety of facets: nature trails, water and local history. Those looking for a holiday rental in Beek en Donk can plan their days around the experiences available. Short walks through the Groene Long, a 4.6 km hike along the Blauwe Poort, historical walks or an extensive cycling route offer various options for active and relaxing days away.

Holiday rental in Beek en Donk: trails, water and history

One prominent historical feature is Kasteel Eyckenlust. The oldest surviving part of the castle is the gatehouse, which dates from around 1500. Kasteel Eyckenlust is situated on the Aa. The estate includes woodland, consisting mainly of poplars, as well as several farmsteads. The estate covers 61 hectares.

Nature trails of various lengths

The Vogelnatuurpad Groene Long was created for birdwatching and to promote an understanding of birdlife. Visitors can also experience the trees, plants and world of insects there. The trail leads through Beek en Donk’s “Groene Long”, passing bodies of water, distinctive trees, bridges and benches. Along the trail, signs provide information about nature. The Vogelnatuurpad Groene Long is 4 km long, or 2.5 km on the shortened route, and follows partly paved paths.

Another option is the 4.6 km Wandelen door de Blauwe Poort hiking route. It starts in Beek en Donk at the junction of the Middenweg. At the Blauwe Poort, a special water bicycle makes it possible to pump water from the storage basin into the water system.

Experience local history on foot

Heemkundekring De Lange Vonder has established two guided walks along historical sites: one for the Beek district and one for Donk. The two routes of the Gidswandeling Beek en Donk each take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and start at the Heemkamer at Parklaan 5 in Beek en Donk. The Gidswandeling Beek en Donk is available as a guided group walk for 8 to 30 people. Those interested in the development of the two districts can use this as an opportunity to get to know Beek and Donk along historical paths.

The Waterpoortroute by bicycle or on foot

For longer excursions, the Waterpoortroute is a good option. It is a 30 or 39 km cycling route through Laarbeek, including Aarle-Rixtel, Beek en Donk and Lieshout, as well as through Helmond. In Laarbeek and Helmond, it passes numerous waterways, wetlands, ponds, canals and ditches. Along the Waterpoortroute, there are two water refill points and a charging station for e-bikes. The route can also be walked; in that case, follow the Waterpoortroute signs.

When choosing accommodation in Beek en Donk, the type of days you want to spend on holiday is a particularly helpful guide: nature observation and short walks, historical walks or a longer cycling tour. The Wandeling in Beek en Donk route complements this selection with 7.3 km through meadows and reed beds, past old trees and along the course of the Goorloop. You can find more local pages under Lieshout, Mariahout and Aarle Rixtel.

For the overarching travel overview: Laarbeek.