Breda, Ulvenhout, Alphen

Start this 48 kilometre long cycle route at the lively Ginnekenmarktje in Breda and truly step into the footsteps of the merchants of the past. The route follows the old trade network that connected Breda to the south for centuries. You cycle along the river Mark through the Mark valley and towards Alphen and Chaam. A peaceful ride through nature and villages. Can you imagine this once being a busy trade road full of activity?

Along this path once ran the Maastrichtse Baan a wide sandy road where merchants transported their precious cargo by horse and cart. Cheese wood herring and spices made their way to other cities via this route. The journey was long and hard. Mud rain and robbers made this road not only important but also infamous.

Especially around the Eiken Mik and the streams of Chaam travellers had to be on guard. Robber gangs struck here and stories arose that were passed on for generations. Merchants often travelled together and relied on guards to protect them along the way. Today anyone cycling this route follows the same path just without the mud the horses and the robbers.

Curious about the stories from the robbers themselves? In the Chaamse Bossen there is a second route that explores exactly that side of history. More information can be found on visitbrabant.com.