Ostende - Blankenberge (23 km)

The forecast promises a sunny weekend, so let's do the first costal hike for the year!
We will start in Ostende by crossing over to the other side of the harbour by ferry, and will follow the coast all the way to Blankenberge. For a bit of change of scenery, we will move further inlands to walk a bit through dunes and forest, mostly following the coastal GR. Arriving in Blankenberge we have all possibilities for a final drink and/or an ice cream.

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:
wikiloc: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-ostende-nach-blankenberge-254912684
komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2833885300?share_token=a8gh7IeEm29M43zZyAt3U9VjPK48uhe3cG6xBeeUgeFlD8XPi8&ref=wtd

●●Meeting point:
We meet at 08h40 in Gare Central train station in front of Starbucks. Our train (IC 530 to Ostende) leaves from platform 2 at 08.56 and arrives in Ostende at 10.15.

●● Train tickets:
BXL-Oostende 14.90€or 9€ with train+, Blankenberge- BXL 14.40€ or 8.60€ with train+

●● Trains back to Brussels:
Trains back from Blankenberge every hour at XX.56.

●● Specifics:
Distance: 23 km
Elevation gain: up a dune or two
Net walking time: ~ 5,5 h
Weather forecast: sunny!

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
• water + food 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.