Hike Bokrijk – Beringen (31 km) - max 20 pers

We start our hike in Bokrijk and walk to the old mining city of Beringen. Bokrijk is a 550-hectare nature domain best known for its open-air museum, impressive arboretum and extensive network of walking trails. Along the way we will pass the popular animal farm where we will have our lunch ( https://domeinkiewit.hasselt.be/nl/kinderboerderij-en-bijenhal-op-domein-kiewit ) and experience one of Limburg’s most unique attractions: the spectacular “Cycling Through Water” crossing where visitors move right through the middle of a lake at eye level with the water.

After leaving this domain we enter De Platwijers one of Flanders’ most beautiful pond landscapes. This protected nature reserve is famous for its tranquil waters, rich birdlife, picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere.

The last kilometres of our hike will lead us through a mix of forests, quiet woodland paths and rural countryside.

After the hike we will continue our good habit of taking a nice beer/ice cream/snack in a local pub in Beringen before we return 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 there are some mistakes in the planning.

●●Meeting point
We meet at 08h30 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central. The train (IC1507- Genk) leaves from platform 1 at 08h41. We arrive at our destination Bokrijk at 10h11 and start our hike to Beringen.

●● Train tickets
- single ticket Brussels to Bokrijk (12,60 € weekend / 7,50 € with train card+)
- single ticket Beringen to Brussels (13,80 € weekend / 8,30 € with train card+)

●● Train back to Brussels
There is a train back to Brussels every hour at XX:00 (L4416 Hasselt) from platform 2. We arrive in Hasselt at XX:23 at platform A and change train to Brussels (IC1540 Blankenberge) from platform 1 at X1:02

LAST TRAIN 21h00

●● Specifics
distance: ~ 31 km
elevation gain: ~ 122 m
net walking time (breaks are not included here): ~ 7h00
level: intermediate – hiking expercience is an advantage
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](http://meetup.com/) website and/or your emails.

●● What to bring
- comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes
- extra socks to change + compeed for blisters
- water (min 2l) and enough food for the breaks
- sun protection oil, mosquito/tick repellent, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please consult the weather forecast on www.meteo.be)
- some cash 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 so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. People who cancel at the last day (24h) or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes. When you are on the waitinglist it means you should not come to the hike. When there is no +1 function it means you can't bring any guests. Everyone should register for him/her self.

●● 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.