Photo: Joyce Marijnissen and Theo Donkers from Toerisme De Baronie standing by the new banner for the thirteen information points in and around Gilze, Rijen and Alphen-Chaam. Source: Berry van der Heijden.
BN/DeStem 27 May 2020 – Berry van der Heijden.
Hey, pssst. It’s available from 1 June. Take your time walking one or more stages of the Oranje-Nassaupad in the region stretching from Breda to Tilburg. But will it stay quiet for long once Toerisme De Baronie announces the route at the 13 new information points?
Another route, you may think. Indeed, but a very beautiful one in seven stages of about 18 to 20 kilometres. No less than 135 kilometres of visual snacking for the sporty walker along monuments, wide avenues, beautiful stream valleys, vast woodlands, country estates, modern architecture. And a pinch of culture around the Orange-Nassaus. Because they left much more behind in the region than most know.
“It’s the most beautiful route I know,” says keen walker Theo Donkers from Gilze. It’s worth noting that Donkers is also secretary of Toerisme De Baronie and one of the creators of the Oranje-Nassaupad. “But still,” he says. “Even I have made some wonderful discoveries.” Whether that’s on the Regte Heide near Tilburg, in the stream valleys in Alphen, the Mastbos or the woods of Dorst or Chaam.
“The name Oranje-Nassau is, of course, linked to Breda,” say Theo Donkers and Joyce Marijnissen. The latter joined the organisation following the merger of the tourist organisations of Gilze en Rijen and Alphen-Chaam. “But there is so much more associated with the House of Orange, such as country estates in the region, the little castle in Tilburg and Camp Rijen.”
Around 150 businesses from across the wider region have joined forces with Toerisme De Baronie to work together to boost spending in the region. The route is just one of the many delights on offer to day trippers and guests at the region’s numerous campsites, hotels and B&Bs. Whether it’s cycling, walking loops or short walks of around 5 kilometres, or a visit to a brewery, pancake restaurant, golf course, museum, playground, café, casino or outdoor activity, there’s something for everyone.
From 1 June, the walking pack will be on sale at thirteen new information points in Gilze, Rijen, Molenschot, Alphen, Chaam, Riel, Strijbeek and Galder. They are usually located in cafés, restaurants or rest stops, where there is an information table with leaflets and the host or hostess acts as a guide.
The info points can be recognised by the specially designed white banner with green letters. The exact locations can be found on the revamped Toerisme De Baronie website. This season's 52-page brochure can also be found there.
Read the message online at BN/DeStem