Oudenaarde to Zottegem (25 km)

Strange photo for a hike you think? Well, this Sunday I propose to go once again to the Flemish Ardennes, this time to discover a local and seasonal speciality I only learned about this week: the geuteling. Apparently it's a kind of thick pancake cooked on a hot surface that has traditionally been made around the village of Elst to celebrate the day of Sint Apollonia (9 Feb), the patron saint of the place. We start the hike in Oudenaarde and quickly ascend into the hills of the Flemish Ardennes, enjoying some nice views on the way. We will have a rather early lunch, because we will add another stop when we reach Elst, at the geutelingen bakery De Koekelaere (https://geutelingen.com). We can in any case buy the products there to take with us, but on Sundays they also run a pop-up cafe, so if there is enough space for us we can taste them at the source. We will then continue the hike to Zottegem, where we can have a final drink if we still do not feel enough rewarded for the long walk ;-)

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-ournaarde-nach-zottegem-248585807
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2764643399?share_token=aQOXAA7CfesmWTTs6AP0Q7v4P9jjfyu0QCbq4bGPtuUyrbvyKS&ref=wtd

●●Meeting point:
We meet at 9h15 in the main hall of Gare Central, in front of Starbucks and take the train at 9.32 (IC2332 to Brugge). We arrive in Oudenaarde at 10.28

●● Train tickets:
BXL-Oudenaarde 8.50€ or 5.10€ with Train+, Zottegem-BXL 6.60€ or 3.90€ with Train+

●● Back to Brussels:
From Zottegem there are two direct trains back every hour, at XX.48 (39 min to Gare Central) and at XX.56 (55 min to Gare Central).

●● Specifics:
Distance: ca 25 km
Elevation gain: 250m
Net walking time: ca 5.5 h
Weather forecast: cloudy, but not too cold

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.