All roads lead to Rome. But in this case, all roads lead to MyRoute-App's head office in Zoetermeer. MRA's 10th anniversary should be celebrated with routes - from all geographical centers of the Dutch provinces - to the geographical center of navigation experts ????

You start the route at Restaurant de Busjop in the Leudal. This small restaurant just outside Heythuysen is a wonderful place to start the day. Have a cup of coffee before you start the route.

Once on the road, the route starts north. The route does not follow a logical path. It is not the fastest route to the North, but certainly a fun one. You zigzag via the Leudal through the Asbroekerheide and the Waterbloem along the Groote Moost to the Groote Peel National Park. De Groote Peel National Park, founded in 1993, is an extensive peat area. The park, originally a peat extraction area, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Intensive peat extraction was started in the 19th century, which drastically changed the landscape. Today, De Groote Peel is known for its unique flora and fauna, with rare bird species such as the crane and the bluethroat. Because it is a protected nature reserve, you drive underneath the park and cross the border from South Limburg to North Brabant.

North Brabant is home to another impressive nature reserve: De Strabrechtse Heide. This area dates back to prehistoric times. In the 19th century, the heathland was cleared for agricultural purposes, which resulted in major changes in the landscape. In the 20th century, part of the area was reforested with conifers for timber production. However, in later years more attention has been paid to the preservation of the natural heath, as a result of which parts of the Strabrechtse Heide are now being restored to their original state. The area is known for its unique flora and fauna, including various species of heath plants, reptiles and birds such as the nightjar.

After the Brouwhuische Heide it is time to take a break in Brakel. In this village you have two beautiful restaurants with Brabant conviviality. You can opt for a cup of coffee at a spot with a traditional name or a promising name: “De Gouden Leeuw” or “Mooi Weer”. It's your choice where you moor.

After this break you continue your way further north. You slowly climb towards the North. Unfortunately, this climbing means no elevation gain. Although some Dutch people must have been quite optimistic when they gave the Bergafsche mountains its name. This series of hills and dunes were formed during the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago. These natural formations were planted with conifers for timber extraction at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it is a habitat for various breeding birds. You can of course attempt to conquer these mountains on foot. It is expected to require little energy ????

You also slowly come across the proverbial dividing line between “below and above the rivers”. Today you can cross the rivers via various ferry services.

The first ferry service provides the crossing over the Maas, from Maren-Kessel to Alem. You can moor for a second break in the Bommelerwaard. The town of Zaltbommel dates from the Middle Ages and has an attractive center with its canals, squares and historic buildings. Take your time to walk around and find a nice lunch spot.

Zaltbommel is located on the Waal. You drive over the dike along this river to the second ferry service on the route: the crossing at Brakel.

Once crossed, you will encounter troubled traces of the past: the Dutch Waterline. This was an ingenious defense system used in the Netherlands from the 17th to the 19th century. It consisted of a network of waterways, dikes, inundation channels and forts, which were used to flood large parts of the country in times of war. In this way the enemy army was slowed down or even stopped, as they could not easily move their troops and equipment through the flooded area. The Dutch Waterline stretched from the Zuiderzee in the north to the Biesbosch in the south, and played a crucial role in the defense of the Netherlands against foreign invasions for many centuries. Today, parts of the Waterline are still visible and form an important historical and cultural heritage.

Along the route you will see the Fort at the Nieuwe Steeg and the Geofort museum, the Weapon Site and the Fort at Asperen, the trenches at Meerdijk and Fort Diefdijk. The Fort at Nieuwe Steeg and the Geofort museum represent a historic stronghold of the Dutch Waterline, while the Wapenplaats and Fort at Asperen strengthen the defense line, and the trenches at Meerdijk and Fort Diefdijk illustrate the defensive tactics used to resist invaders .

This area between the Waal and the Lek is flat. This makes the roads straight. The advantage is that you often have beautiful views, so that you can enjoy the beautiful landscape along the way, such as the Wheel of Bassa.

You can also cross the Lek again with a ferry service. You drive westwards over the dike along the river. Just before the crossing you can stop for a final break in the Nieuwpoort Fortress. This historic town dates back to the 16th century. The fortifications (such as the city walls and bastions) are well preserved. It offers a nice insight into the military architecture and defense techniques of that time.

At Groot-Ammers you take the ferry service across the Lek. The route winds along the Vlist to the Bonrepas mill. This windmill was built in the 18th century and is an icon of the agricultural heritage of the Netherlands. And of course it is a beautiful snapshot. With smooth asphalt in the foreground you can take beautiful photos of passing motorcyclists.

The last ferry service of this route also slowly marks the end of the journey. The Gouderak ferry service helps you cross the Hollandsche IJssel. Only about 15 kilometers to go to Zoetermeer. In Zoetermeer you can of course refuel and get your haircut in order before you visit the MyRoute-App team.