What we’re about
A group for the walking & outdoor enthousiasts in Brussels. Is it necessary to say more? Actually yes.
Activities
The main focus will be mostly given on one-day walks in Belgium. We will mostly follow GR-trails or other walking events that can be reached by public transportation. The trails are selected to show the best of the region they cross (nature, but also national heritage), while avoiding mass tourism areas.
RSVP'ing and no-shows
If you RSVP'd yes for a hike but cannot join please warn at least two day in advance. Persons who don't come or who RSVP'd yes, but change their mind at last minute will be put on the waiting list for the next activities. People who also join several activities and are on the main list of one will also be moved to the end of the waiting list.
Weather
Please note that activities are not automatically cancelled because of the weather, but they may be adapted. Some people do enjoy walking in forests during rain, really. You are asked to change your status if you don't want to join because of the weather. If there are not enough participants, the activity will be then cancelled/postponed.
Disclaimer
The Brussels Hiking Group is not meant to be a hiking club but to allow experienced hikers to announce their willingness to do a given hike, find people to go along with and have a nice day. You are not supposed to be an expert, but to know your limits and choose to participate or not to an activity accordingly. You have also to make sure that you are covered by an insurance policy that covers hiking before taking part to an activity, and you also know the risks inherent to hiking. The Brussels Hiking Group is also a platform to allow interested people to propose their own activities, on their personal initiative. The Brussels Hiking Group acts only in that case as an intermediary and its organisers could not be held responsible in case of accident.
Upcoming events
1
Hike Kalkense Meersen – Schellebelle to Wetteren (18 km) - max 20 pers
Gare Centrale, Putterie, Brussels, BEFor this hike we start in Schellebelle and walk trough the natural reservoir “Kalkse Meersen” to Wetteren. In Schellebelle we need to take a ferry to cross the Schelde River.
The Kalkense Meersen is a beautiful natural area located in the province of East Flanders. It is famous for it’s extensive meadows, small ponds and various bird species. These wetlands are a great place for hiking and nature watching and offering a peaceful escape from the city.
After our hike we can continue our good habit of taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub in Wetteren before returning to Brussels.
Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)
We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this road before so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. Be prepared for this.
●●Meeting point
We meet at 09h30 in front of Starbucks in Brussels Central. The train (IC3632 – Diksmuide) leaves at 09h45 from platform 4. We arrive at 10h31 at our destination Schellebelle and start our hike to Wetteren.●● Train tickets
Since October 15th there is a new train ticketing system for Belgium trains. As I don’t know very well how it works yet I’ll give you the info I could find online:
- for the way up we need a single ticket to Schellebelle (8,80 € weekend / 5,5 € with train card+)
- for the way back we need a single ticket from Wetteren to Brussels (8,8 wekend / 5,5€ with train card +)●● Train back to Brussels
There are two direct trains every hour from Wetteren to Brussels at XX:25 and XX:56.For more info check www.nmbs.be
LAST TRAIN = 23h21
●● Specifics
distance: ~ 18 km
elevation gain: ~ 46 m
net walking time (breaks are not included here): ~4h00
level: easy – open to everyoneIn the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails.
●● What to bring
- warm comfortable hiking clothes
- extra socks to change + compeed for blisters
- water and enough food for the breaks
- sun protection oil, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please watch the weather forecast on www.meteo.be)
- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;-)●● Basic rules
Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP latest 1 day before the hike so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. People who cancel last minute or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. Yes RSVP, but not Wait Listed).●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability
By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.23 attendees
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