Nature walk Cartierheide

Hiking in Eersel is of course done on the Cartierheide in the Brabantse Kempen. In the Kempen, on the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, the inhabited world is far away. Sandy roads lead past fields and through endless forests. Where the coniferous forests give way, there is the great silent heath with drifting sand and marshes. An almost fairytale-like area!

Did you know that the forests were the territory of smugglers? If we go back in history, we see that this used to be the site of sheep shepherds and small(er) farmers. And along the dirt paths salesmen walked with their baskets of merchandise on their backs. Cartier Heath is an area full of history, where even Napoleon left his mark!

'And if you are very quiet, maybe the animals will show themselves...'

Cartierheide:
On the Cartierheide, the Dalems Stroompje meanders. In spring, the white water vine blooms here. On the heath, the hazelworm and the smooth snake roam. Should you encounter them, don't worry. They are absolutely non-poisonous. At dusk, the nightjar hunts in the forest edge. Goat Milker, is its nickname. Goats used to graze on the moors. With wide-open beaks, the nightjars swarmed around the animals. To drink milk, the farmers thought. In reality, they filled their bellies with insects.

Staatsbosbeheer has four starting locations in the Kempen from which marked walking routes start; Natuurpoort TerSpegelt in Eersel, Trimbaan Eersel at Postelseweg in Eersel, De Pals in Bladel and the Staatsbosbeheer car park at Postelseweg/Bredasebaan in Eersel. From all four starting points, both the forests of the Kempen and the Cartierheide can be experienced.

There are several departure options for walks on the Cartierheide, the best parking can be found if you drive from Eersel towards Postel, on the right side of the road is ample parking, check HERE for the location.

Hiking trails on the Cartierheide:

Walking route Blueberries and heathland. Route colour: light blue, 3.5 km.
Walk through coniferous forests with blueberries. This varied walk through the Kempen region passes the Cartierheide.

Walking route Disabled path. Route colour: orange, 2 km.
A varied family path through the Brabantse Kempen, accessible for wheelchair (or pushchair). You pass by the Laarven, through woods and along the Cartierheide.

Walking route Heidewandeling de Pals. Route colour: red, 6.2 km.
Varied walk that takes you past various types of coniferous and deciduous forest and across the Cartier heath in the Brabantse Kempen.

Walking route Foresters' path Cartierheide. Route colour: purple, 7.2 km.
From the roe deer at dusk to the seagull colony in spring and summer, you will encounter all kinds of animal species during this walk across the Cartierheide in North Brabant. A peaceful walking route through woods, along heathland, large bodies of water and close to the many inhabitants of De Kempen.

All routes are clearly marked. Just make sure you don't come across any opportunities for a snack and drink along the way. Near the Cartierheide is holiday park Ter Spegelt, where there is a good restaurant for a bite to eat and drink called De Keizer Eten & Drinken. Of course, the centre of Eersel is also a great location to replenish those burnt calories. For the kids, you can also walk the gnome trail or the discovery trail from Ter Spegelt, more information can be found HERE.