You cycle east via Eersel, one of the oldest villages in the Netherlands. On the village green bordered by majestic linden trees is the 15th century Maria chapel and a beautiful church tower from 1400. Eersel belongs to the 'Eight Zaligheden', a corruption of 'selligheden', eight Kempen villages whose names end in 'sel'. After a visit to the lovely village center of Bergeijk, you cross the De Maaij nature reserve. Along the Keunense Loop you arrive in the village of Luyksgestel. On the long route you will also visit the De Malpie nature reserve, located just below Valkenswaard, with heathland, fens and old overgrown drifting dunes. You return to your hotel through the Kempen forests, over the Cartierheide and past the Children's Chapel of the Ten Vorsel Estate.