To Maastricht

We started our hike in Eijsden and took the small ferry across the river Maas. We know the route from Eijsden to Maastricht in various ways by heart by bike, but not by foot. Today we discovered a beautiful natural landscape between our familiar cycling route and the Maas. We were briefly distracted by a magnificent view from a birdwatching hut over a section of the river we'd never seen before. But we moved on. Towards the artificial hill (170,8m) on the Sint-Pietersberg Plateau (100m). The hill was constructed off the abraded topsoil to access the limestone in the adjacent quarry. Underneath d'n Observant lies a largely collapsed limestone quarry. The weight of the thrown up soil has caused the support pillars to collapse. We could see it as we climbed straight up the hill. Almost straight. Using not only our feet by times. Then we walk on a ridge with on both sides the sinkholes. I liked the climbing. It is like playing.

We drank coffee at the cafe next to the closed quarry. In the distance, we could see the staircase that would lead us from the straight, polished wall of the limestone quarry to a viewpoint on Sint-Pietersberg. Another steep climb, but this time it was a staircase.

And then we arrived in Maastricht. We were happy with our hike. We think the Dutch Mountain Trail is a fantastic route. Highly recommended.