PADDLER 56
Cross the border into the Netherlands via a nature reserve
PADDLER 56
THE DOMMEL RIVER
Cross the border into the Netherlands via a nature reserve
The Dommel River has its source in the Kempen , a region that straddles Belgium and the Netherlands . This little wonder has its source in the province of Limburg , more precisely in the municipality of Peer . The first 20 kilometres of the Dommel are in our little Kingdom , while the other 126 are in the Netherlands in North Brabant .
It crosses the border at the town of Brokel en Schaft . In ‘ s-Hertogenbosch , the Dommel joins the Aa to form the Dieze , which eventually flows into the Meuse .
The Dommel is initially a lowland stream fed by rainwater and several other small streams in the Dommel Valley ( Dommeldal ). The Dommel gradually becomes a river somewhere in North Brabant by meeting other streams . Did you know that this river was mentioned in Roman times ? It was called Dutmala . In the Middle Ages , farmers cultivated the fields of the Dommel Valley and cut wood there . It is not surprising that there are several water mills and fish ponds along the river .
The River Dommel will surprise you with its beauty ! Here you will undoubtedly cross two of the most beautiful nature reserves in North Brabant , namely Hageven and Malpie .
A trip on its winding , sometimes narrow waters will offer you a moment of serenity . What could be more wonderful than to be surrounded by nature and
ENTERING THE WATER :
Vertrekplaats Kajak Dommel ( Google Maps ) Wooden pontoon . You embark at the Tussenstraat in Pelt and disembark in Valkenswaard . Google map : https :// goo . gl / maps / J5CTAkeLCW6bcWHa6
wildlife ? Indeed , you will certainly have the chance to meet blue kingfishers , swans , cows , frogs and beaver tracks ! Regarding vegetation , you will sometimes see water violets and yellow marigolds , two pretty aquatic flowers seeking clean water .
To have a chance of spotting the beavers , try to spot their tracks first . You are on the right track if you see small dams , wood chips , piles of branches or tree trunks cut at an angle ! The longer days in June and July are also more favourable . You will need to be quiet and , above all , respectful to avoid disturbing their balance .
As for the swans , they are much more numerous , and you will certainly be lucky enough to come across a few . The animal will quickly inform you if it does not appreciate your presence . If it feels threatened and thinks you are invading its territory , it will become aggressive , flapping its wings and beak at you . Move on quickly and gently . Depending on the season , you may be lucky to spot eggs under your board . Please don ’ t touch them and just enjoy this surprise of nature .
This winding 15 km ride can be done in five hours with short breaks . Enjoy a well-deserved rest in ‘ de Venberge Molen ’, a restaurant located in one of the famous mills along the Dommel .
All along the route , you will find mooring and rest areas . Please respect these defined stops so as not to damage nature . Don ’ t forget to take your waste .
For this one-way session , you will need two vehicles . Please park a car at the finish point in Valkenswaard ( Molenstraat ).