Villers-la-Ville to Braine-l'Alleud (23km)
Details
After some longer trips, it's time to explore somewhere closer to Brussels, so let's hike from Villers-la-Ville to Braine-l'Alleud (~23km, 350m elevation), in the province of Brabant-Wallon. We will mostly be hiking in forest and farmland, past the famous Abbaye de Villers and the site of the battle of Waterloo. If we're thirsty at the end, which seems likely, we will surely find somewhere in Braine-l'Alleud for an (optional) drink before we head back to Brussels on the direct train.
The weather forecast is for some sun, and possibly a little rain, so bring a rain coat. The path may be muddy in places.
We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. This is quite fast. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this route before, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning.
You can find the GPX track here: https://mapy.com/s/cekajukopo
Meeting point and train
We meet at 09:20 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central.
The train IC 2109 (Namur & Luxembourg) leaves from platform 3 at 09:36 (you can also join this train at Brussel Zuid 9:31, Brussel Noord 9:42, Brussel Schuman 9:50, Brussel Luxemburg 9:54).
It arrives at 10:13 in Ottignies where we change on to train S61 4560 (Charleroi-Centraal & Châtelet) leaving from platform 11 at 10:23.
This train arrives in Villers-la-Ville at 10:41.
Train tickets
- Single Brussels to Villers-la-Ville, € 5.40 or € 3.20 with Train+
- Single Braine-l'Alleud to Brussels, € 3.70 or € 2.50 with Train+
You probably want to buy the Train+ card for the introductory price of € 3 (1 month) or € 24 (12 months). It can be bought in the SNCB/NMBS app or at ticket machines.
Train back to Brussels
There are direct trains from Braine-l'Alleud to Brussels Central every hour at xx:40, taking 23 minutes, and at xx:16, taking 36 minutes.
There is also a direct service to Brussels Luxembourg and Schuman at xx:58, taking 37/39 minutes.
Specifics
Distance: ~ 23 km
Elevation gain: ~ 350 m
Net walking time: ~ 5h
Level: Fairly easy
In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even a few hours before the event. If this happens, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out a message to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your email.
What to bring
- lunch - we will not stop at a cafe/restaurant for lunch
- comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes
- extra socks to change + compeed for blisters
- water (min 2l) and enough food for the breaks
- sun protection oil, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please consult the weather forecast on www.meteo.be)
- mosquito/tick repellent
- some money for drinks/snacks/etc
Basic rules
The number of participants is limited, so make sure that you RSVP only if you really intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP asap. This is basic courtesy towards others. Last day cancellations, no-shows and Internet warriors are not appreciated.
Only people whose name appears on the main list may come to the hike.
Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability
You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you choose to take part. As participation in this event 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. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.