Pilgrimspath

Part 10 - From Udenhout to 's-Hertogenbosch

"Het geeft me levensmoed"

From Udenhout to 's Hertogenbosch

Refreshed from a restful night’s sleep, we were ready for our final leg of the Pilgrim’s Path. As we hit the trail at 10 am, the crisp winter air and a stunning blue sky painted the landscape with an enchanting ambiance.

An hour later, we found ourselves back at the Rondje De Brand’s starting point, marking the beginning of new territory. We traveled a mesmerizing path along the edge of the Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park, where the varied landscape blended forests with agricultural fields. We crossed the man-made Zandleij River, unnaturally flowing westward, and continued our journey past the former sand quarry, now transformed into the IJzeren Man recreational lake, nestled just below Vught. The lake’s striking name pays homage to the dredging mill that once excavated the sand.

After Vught’s defense works, we again encountered the drainage canal connecting Hertogenbosch to Drongelen. Our journey led us to Fort Isabella, a Spanish fortress constructed around 1618. Witnessing the ongoing construction activities, we observed how the old buildings were transformed into elegant apartments. After crossing the highway, we emerged back into the modern world and, through the ancient city walls, entered ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

.

Surprisingly, we were greeted by a breathtaking vista of the Bossche Broek, an old swamp area in the Dommel valley near downtown ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The majestic gothic Sint Jan’s church and the bustling central market showed the city’s rich heritage. As we gazed upon familiar landmarks, memories of our wedding day in 1991 came back to us. The old town hall, where we exchanged vows, and the hotel, where we celebrated with friends and family, prompted nostalgia.

At four o’clock, we triumphantly arrived at ‘s-Hertogenbosch Central Station, marking the official completion of the first leg of the remarkable Pilgrim’s Path. The ten legs had been a symphony of inspiration, surprise, and exertion. Yet, even as we reflected on the journey’s end, we eagerly set new dates to undertake the second part of our inspiring pilgrimage through the Netherlands.

Date

Sunday, January 17, 2021

Distance

14.53 miles
23.38 km

Moving Time

5:27:49
hours

Weather

3 tot 8 °C
light breeze, mist