Ninove to Geraardsbergen (24 km)

This Sunday let's go back to the Flemish Ardennes, with a hike that is a direct continuation of one we did in November (from Ede to Ninove). We start at the train station of Ninove and cross some small wetlands (probably rather muddy after the last weeks' snow and rain) before we reach the Dender, which we follow for some kilometers. After turning away from the river we walk through the Rappaillebos and enter Geraardsbergen via the Oudenberg and its famous chapel before descending into town for a final drink.

As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!).
We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 4.5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-).

●●You can find the gpx track here:
Wikilocs: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-ninove-nach-geraardsbergen-247100040
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2678108792?share_token=aNZK7ki12VaQOwZvBkWxpd1wcmr8EK9LlHzfDCV13MtnJFYbTv&ref=wtd

●●Meeting point:
We meet at 8h30 in the main hall of Gare Central, in front of Starbucks (sorry for the early start, I need to be back in town for a concert) and take the train at 8.45 (IC3631 to Gent). We change in Denderleeuw and arrive in Ninove at 9.32

●● Train tickets:
BXL-Ninove 5.00€ or 3.00€ with Train+, Geraardsbergen-BXL 6.40€ or 3.90€ with Train+

●● Back to Brussels:
From Geraardsbergen there are two trains back every hour, at XX.55 direct (52 min to Gare Central) and at XX.07 via Denderleeuw (1h 08 min to Gare Central).

●● Specifics:
Distance: ca 24 km
Elevation gain: 150 - 200m
Net walking time: ca 5.5 h
Weather forecast: fresh, fairly dry

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:

• Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes
• rain gear (just in case)
• water and drink for the breaks
• Compeed for blisters
• some small money for drinks

●● Basic rules:
Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse.
Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list.

●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability:
You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events 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.