The southernmost tip of The Netherlands is different from all the rest. It's hilly here, up to 300 m. The land does not consist of sand, clay or peat, like anywhere else in The Netherlands, but of limestone. Hence "Krijtland", Limestone country. Extensive forests cover the slopes of these hills. The heights are shaped as flat and open plateaus of farmland and pasture. The valleys are narrow and moist.

What strikes the stranger, when observing this Dutch mountain scenery? That again it is so very orderly and trim. Attempts have been made to preserve the small scale of traditional agriculture. Hedges and rows of trees have been saved or even restored. The old orchards disappeared centuries ago. Fields are neatly fitted in. In the beautiful valleys of the rivers Geul and Gulp, the landscape sometimes is a bit more loosely organised.

This wonderful country is popular with walkers, and this is not a recent development, but something of the past 100 years. The region is set to tourists, and food and accommodation are abundant. If you're lucky with the weather, you can look forward to a splendid four days walk. And why not use the fifth day for shopping in Maastricht? (HN)