Boxmeer, Cuijk, Mook

The Mooker Heath lies on an outcrop of the Nijmegen moraine ridge and has significant elevation differences. This ridge was formed during the penultimate Ice Age, when glaciers pushed up gravel, sand and clay deposited by rivers like a bulldozer. Because the ground was pushed upwards, old river deposits from the Meuse, such as gravel and coarse sand, are now found at the surface. It is therefore logical that sand extraction took place in this area. Normally not very interesting, but here along the Meuse several of these excavation sites have been transformed into attractive recreational lakes and nature areas.

Along this route you pass De Banen. This former sand and gravel extraction area lies at the foot of the German Reichswald. Natuurmonumenten, together with the company, has redeveloped the site. It is now a great place for walking and enjoying nature. A bit further on, you cycle past the Mookerplas in Plasmolen. This lake also originated from sand and gravel extraction and is now a popular recreational lake for water sports enthusiasts.

Near Cuijk in Brabant you will find the Kraaijenbergse Plassen. These lakes serve not only as recreational areas and nature reserves, but also as residential locations. The modern residential area Heeswijkse Kampen was built on a site where sand and gravel were extracted between 1968 and 2020 and lies directly next to the Kraaijenbergse Plassen.