Exploring the green heart of “Neteland”- Duffel (loop 22 km)

For this hike we follow mostly the GR 12 leading us along the winding Nete river through peaceful nature reserves such as “Mosterdpot” and “Hessepoelbos” and across a unique old railway embankment where nature has reclaimed the former railway line.

On our route we will see some charming village scenes that recall a rich past. We also pass by the ruins of “Ter Elst castle” and “domain Roosendael” with its ponds and historic buildings.

This walk is a perfect blend of nature, history and tranquility.

After our hike we continue our good habit of taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub (Taverne Gildenhuis) in Duffel 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 08h40 in front of Starbucks in Brussels Central. The train (S11958 – Antwerpen) leaves at 08h53 from platform 5. We arrive at 09h37 at our destination Duffel and start our hike.

●● Train tickets
- single ticket Brussels to Duffel (5 € weekend / 3 € with train card+)
- single ticket Duffel to Brussels (5 € weekend / 3 € with train card +)

●● Train back to Brussels
There are two direct trains every hour from Duffel to Brussels at XX:23 and XX:53.

For more info check www.nmbs.be

LAST TRAIN = 23h23

●● Specifics
distance: ~ 22 km
elevation gain: ~ 72 m
net walking time (breaks are not included here): ~5h00
level: easy – open to everyone

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
- extra socks to change + compeed for blisters
- water or warm drink and food for the breaks
- sun protection oil, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please watch the weather forecast on www.meteo.be)
- a (head) flashlight and a yellow security vest for the evening
- 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.