Hike Nijlen - Lier (22 km)

For this hike we will follow partially the GR 12 and walk by fields, meadows, unpaved country roads and some farms typical of the Flanders countryside. We will pass by some charming villages and hamlets. The landscape is often picturesque and offers beautiful views. On our hike we pass the Nete, the Kesselse Heide and the fortress of Kessel.

After our hike we can do some sightseeing in the historical centre of Lier (Beguinage, Zimmer tower and belfry) and continue our good habit of taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub in Lier 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 (IC3108 – Antwerpen) leaves at 09h03 from platform 5. We arrive at 09h49 in Antwerpen - Berchem where we have to change train (IC4230 - Turnhout) who leaves at 09h59 from platform 5. We arrive at 10h18 at our destination Nijlen and start our hike to Lier.

●● Train tickets
- single ticket Brussels to Nijlen (6,80 € weekend / 4,10 € with train card+)
- single ticket Lier to Brussels (6,10 € weekend / 3,60 € with train card+)

●● Trains back to Brussels
There are 4 trains every hour from Lier to Brussels at XX:05, XX:12, XX:35, XX:51 to Leuven or Antwerpen - Berchem where we change a train to Brussels .
For more info check www.nmbs.be

LAST TRAIN = 23h28

●● Specifics
distance: ~ 22 km
elevation gain: ~ 85 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 themselves.