Grashoek lies among fields and forests; the area was reclaimed from a Peel landscape with a high peat content in the soil. Its landscape and history can be seen in many different ways: in nature reserves, on routes through forests and open fields, and at places of remembrance. This lets you choose your own focus on nature and culture during your stay.
Landscape and trails
Scherliet, a small nature reserve along the Helenavaart, lies west of Grashoek. Its landscape includes woodland and grassland, with some areas also featuring distinctive vegetation. The Marisberg-Belgenhoek area between Grashoek and the Peel offers a different setting, with coniferous forest and drifting sand.
The Schorfroute starts in Grashoek at cycle junction 21 and heads towards junction 12. Along the way, wooded sandy soils and open agricultural fields shape the landscape. The route also passes canals and waterways built in the 19th century to drain the Peel and transport peat. At cycle junction 8, it reaches the boundary of De Groote Peel National Park. Check the current route and signage before setting off.
The 13.5-kilometre Struinpad runs through and alongside remnants of the old Peel landscape, peat canals, scrubland, wet meadows and forests. This succession of landscapes sets the trail apart from the Schorfroute, whose description highlights wooded sandy soils, agricultural fields and historic waterways.
Two walking routes in Grashoek can be compared by length: both start and finish at walking junction 25. One is 5.4 kilometres long and the other 9.4 kilometres. The longer route follows the Groote Molenbeek. Check the route details before setting off, as they may change.
Local history and culture
The history of the area spans different periods. The “sierschijf van Helden,” also known as the Celtic disc, dates from the first century AD. It was found in 1844 in the area later known as Grashoek, so the artefact’s age and the year it was discovered are clearly distinct.
Around the mid-19th century, the first farmers built simple homesteads in the area between Beringe and Helenaveen, which included the area later known as Grashoek. 1918 is regarded as the unofficial founding date of Grashoek. The reference to the homesteads concerns a wider area, while the founding date refers to the village.
At the De Ankerplaats community centre, Pastoor Vullinghsstraat 3, there is a memorial plaque called “Sporen die bleven.” The monument commemorates the raids in October and November 1944, when the occupying forces deported more than 3,000 boys and men for forced labour in the German war industry. 100 of those deported came from Grashoek. The Lancaster monument commemorates the seven crew members of Lancaster ED-973 of No. 100 Squadron RAF.
Art and religious heritage are also among the cultural sites. Wim Kömhoff’s sculpture “Kippen” depicts stylised representations of a hen, a rooster and an egg. The Mariakapel Roomweg was built by Mr Engelen in 1930 as a wayside altar for the annual procession.
Discover more destinations: Baarlo, Maasbree, Helden, Panningen, Beringe, Meijel, Egchel, Kessel
For the wider travel overview: Peel En Maas.
