Imagine: you are a merchant traveller in the Golden Age. You transport precious products such as spices, linen and coffee. You earn a pretty penny doing so. Only...you travel with a wooden horse cart, and that makes you an easy target for robbers. And robbers abound on the trade route between Breda and Maastricht. So what do you do?
Right: you travel in convoy, along with other trade travellers. And you let security guards protect you for a fee. In those days, these were the 'Haeneveren', recognisable by a cock feather on their hats. So you were well protected from the scum that preyed on your belongings.
Start this 48-km route at Breda's lively Ginnekenmarkt and get ready for a route along beautiful countryside. Get off for a break in Alphen or Chaam. Continue your route through the charming countryside of Grensland De Baronie and be carried by the river Mark in the idyllic Markdal. Will they arrive safely with their valuable merchandise?
Read the whole story about the trade travellers in the leaflet.
The leaflet consists of two cycle routes in a handy pocket size. With each route you will find a map with the cycle junctions, descriptions of the routes and interesting facts in the area.
The route leaflet is available for 2 euros at the info points in the region.
Download the app Sporenzoeker and discover the most beautiful cycling and walking routes. This app can be downloaded for free in the App Store or via Google Play. Look for these routes under the Historical Trade Route collection.
