Hike Amblève River Panorama – Aywaille loop (23 km)

This week we explore the narrow and rougher banks of the Amblève. First we pass the old quarries of Goiveux and Falize. Then we walk through the nature reserve 'Heid des Gattes', a rugged piece of nature with cliffs up to 50m high, caves and old ruins.

We have our lunch at the Belvedère Rahier with a beautiful view over the Chateau de Monjardin. Afterwards we descend to walk a bit along the Amblève before we enter “Le Grand Bois” for the last part of our hike.

This hike wil be a tough walk with lots of elevaition gain and steep climbs through forests and along the slopes of the Amblève valley.

After our hike we continue our good habit of taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub in Aywaille 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 08h45 in front of Starbucks in Brussels Central. The train (IC507 – Eupen) leaves at 09h01 from platform 3. We arrive at 09h59 in Liege-Guilmins on platform 2 where we change to train (IC5310 - Luxemburg) who leaves at 10h07 from platform 6. We arrive 10h39 at our destination Aywaille and start our hike.

●● Train tickets
The cheapest way to travel is to use the multi railpass (2 x 10,5 €). Rail passes can be shared.
More info: www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/railpass

●● Train back to Brussels
There is a train every hour from Aywaille to Brussels at XX:23. We need to change in Liege-Guilmins - For more info check www.nmbs.be
LAST TRAIN = 22h23

●● Specifics
distance: ~ 23 km
elevation gain: ~ 683 m
net walking time (breaks are not counted in here) : ~ 5h00
level: intermediate – hiking expercience is an advantage

In 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 – waterproof hiking shoes
- extra socks to change + compeed for blisters
- enough water (min 2 l) and food for lunch/breaks
- sun protection oil, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat
- (please consult 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 at the 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.