About the Rovertsche Leij Trail
The Rovertsche Leij Trail will take place in Ravels on Sunday 30 August 2026. You can run between 8 and 25 kilometers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
The Rovertsche Leij Trail is a trail run for everyone, whether you are just starting out or are an experienced runner. The route takes you through beautiful nature reserves in the border area south of Tilburg, with routes of different distances: 10 km, 15 km, 21 km, and 25 km. Choose the distance that suits your level and enjoy a unique running experience that is both relaxing and challenging.
What makes the Rovertsche Leij Trail special?
- Breathtaking nature: Discover the green forests, atmospheric forest paths, and the winding stream "De Rovertsche Leij."
- Varying distances: From a fun recreational 10 km to a solid 25 km for experienced trail runners.
- For everyone: Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, this trail challenges you at your level.
- Cozy atmosphere: After the race, relax with a Belgian beer or other drink on the cozy finish square.
Sign up today and experience an unforgettable running experience in a beautiful piece of nature between the Netherlands and Belgium!
Location
Just across the border south of Tilburg and Goirle lies the border village of Poppel. The village is located on the edge of the beautiful border forests through which the stream Rovertsche Leij flows. The stream meanders past Poppel through the typical rural area towards the Gorp and Roovert estate, where it then crosses the border. As soon as we cross the Dutch border, the route runs through various nature reserves. This means you will experience a lot of difference in the landscape along the way.
The course of the Rovertsche Leij Trail leads you through this beautiful border landscape. The first kilometers you walk along the stream through the rural area towards the forests. As soon as we cross the Dutch border, the route runs through various nature reserves.
It is a flat trail and is suitable for both advanced and less experienced trail runners.
History
Poppel is part of the Noorderkempen and borders the Netherlands. It has been a border town since 1648, after the Peace of Munster. Now it is a border village with Belgian and Dutch influences. Currently, more immigrants from the Netherlands live in the village than Belgians, who are very well integrated into village life.
The area around Poppel consists of a sandy, gently rolling landscape that varies in height between 21 and 31 meters. Since 1850, land reclamation has taken place in the area, creating estates such as De Schriekem, many coniferous forests, and De Molenheide, among others, and a forest in the far north, the Dutch nature reserve Gorp en Roovert.
The stream AA or Rovertsche Leij flows through these areas, underscoring the unique character of the region. The valley of the Rovertsche Leij is home to a rich flora and fauna, such as Lily of the valley, Wood anemone, Nuthatch, Wood warbler, Golden oriole, and the Banded Demoiselle. In very localized areas, wet forest vegetation also occurs, including marsh violets and peat mosses.
Smuggling Triangle
The richly wooded area in the triangle between Goirle, Hilvarenbeek, and Poppel (B), with its many field paths, was a dream terrain for smugglers in the last century. Smuggling was a lucrative sport that could bring in a lot of money. This trade in the grey and black circuit was entirely driven by price differences on both sides of the border.
Around 1900, salt was the most sought-after smuggled goods from Belgium. Because of excise duties, salt was more than twice as expensive in the Netherlands as in Belgium (about 3 cents per kilo at the time). After that, butter was a particularly popular item to smuggle to Belgium. Sugar and jenever were also smuggled goods. Later, cattle were smuggled.
When butter became the most profitable smuggling product in history, a ruthless battle between customs and smugglers ensued in the border region.