Hike Houthalen – Holsteen (26 km loop)

A wonderfully varied hike through some of the most beautiful natural areas of Limburg. Starting in Houthalen we head into the vast heathlands and forests of Tenhaagdoornheide before continuing through Hengelhoef known for its forests and peaceful fishing ponds. We then cross Molenheide and make our way towards the mysterious prehistoric Holsteen.
https://www.zonhoven.be/producten/detail/875/holsteen

Along the way we experience the typical landscapes of De Wijers and the Lage Kempen with a beautiful mix of heathland, pine forests, sandy trails, stream valleys and ponds. We also pass through De Teut famous for its characteristic views over the Wijers landscape.

After the hike we will continue our good habit of taking a nice beer/ice cream/snack in a local pub in Houthalen before returning 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.

●●Meetingpoint
We meet at 08h20 in front of Starbucks in Brussels Central. Our train (IC1507 Hasselt) leaves from platform 3 at 08h41. We arrive in Hasselt at 09h56 on platform 7 and change to De Lijn Bus (X18- Lommel Vreyshorring) who leaves in the busstation from perron 10 at 10h11. We arrive at our destination Houthalen-Mijn at 10h45 and start our hike.

●● Train tickets
- single ticket Brussels to Hasselt (11,40 € weekend/6,80 € with train card+)
- busticket De Lijn from Hasselt to Houthalen-mijn (3 € to pay contactles in the bus)
- busticket De Lijn from Houthalen Centrum to Hasselt (3 € to pay contactles in the bus)
- single ticket Hasselt to Brussels (11,40 € weekend/6,80 € with train card+)

●● Train to Brussels
There is a De Lijn bus from Houthalen Centrum to Hasselt every hour at XX:24. We arrive in Hasselt train station at XX:49 where we take train (IC1541 – Blankenerge) that leaves from platform 7 at X1:02. More info on: https://www.belgiantrain.be

LAST BUS = 21h24

●● Specifics
distance: ~ 26 km
elevation gain: ~ 124 m
net walking time (breaks are not included here): ~ 6h00
level: easy – open to 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 is important to have access to either the Meetup 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. By joining this event you acknowledge and accept that the organisers cannot be held liable for any accident, injury, illness, loss, damage or other claim arising from participation in this activity.