Hike Flemisch Ardennes – Zottegem (loop 25 km)
Details
For this hike we will mostly follow the GR 122 and the Regional GR “Vlaamse Ardennen”.
We’ll start our hike in Zottegem and wander through the rolling hills of the Flemish Ardennes. Along the way we’ll pass historic watermills such as the Bostmolen, Zwalmmolen and Pedesmolen and enjoy the peaceful Zwalm valley. The route takes us through charming hamlets, quiet country roads and nature reserves like De Blarenhoek. Expect sweeping views over fields and forests, authentic farms and plenty of rural tranquility before returning to our starting point.
After the hike we will continue our good habit of taking a nice drink/ice cream/snack in a local pub in Zottegem before returning to Brussels.
Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)
We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. We will walk 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.
●●Meeting point
We meet at 09h15 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central. Our train (IC 2332 - Oostende) leaves at 09h32 from platform 4. We arrive at our destination Zottegem at 10h12 and start our hike.
●● Train tickets
- single ticket Brussels to Zottegem (6,40 € weekend / 3,90 € with train card+)
- single ticket Zottegem to Brussels (6,40 € weekend / 3,90 € with train card+)
●● Train back to Brussels
There are 2 direct trains from Zottegem to Brussels every hour at XX:48 and XX:56
LAST TRAIN = 22h56
●● Specifics
distance: ~ 25 km
elevation gain: ~ 237 m
net walking time (breaks are not included here): ~ 5h00
level: easy - open for 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’s important to have access to either the [Meetup.com](http://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 or warm drinks and food for the breaks
- sun protection oil, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please consult the weather forcast on www.meteo.be )
- a flashlight and a yellow/orange safety vest for when it gets dark
- 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 day 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 themselve