Pepinster to Chaudfontaine (23km)

Before the nights draw in too far, let's get some climbing in with a hike from Pepinster to Chaudfontaine (~23km, 740m elevation). We will hike along the valley of the Vesdre, an area we know well but using some paths I didn't hike before. There should be good views and maybe the first autumn colours in the forest. We will probably finish with an (optional) drink before catching the train home.

The weather forecast is mostly sunny and 14C, but there could be a shower or two as well. The path may be muddy and slippery in places so wear good shoes, preferably walking boots.
We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. This is quite fast. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this route before, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning.

You can find the GPX track here: https://mapy.com/s/beconejase (route may be slightly updated before Sunday)

Meeting point and train
We will meet outside Starbucks in Brussels Central station at 08:45.
The train IC507 (Liege-Guillemins & Welkenraedt) leaves from platform 3 at 9:01 (you can also join this train at Brussels Zuid at 8:56 or Brussels Noord at 9:07).
We arrive in Liege at 9:59 change on to S41 5010 (Verviers-Centraal & Aachen Hbf), leaving from platform 4 at 10:19. It arrives in Pepinster at 10:46.

Train tickets
- Single Brussels to Pepsinter, €14.90 or €9 with Train+
- Single Chaudfontaine to Brussels, €14.40 or €8.60 with Train+

Train back to Brussels
There are connections every hour at xx:28 from Chaudfontaine to Brussels, changing in Liege and taking ~1h27 minutes to Central station.

Specifics
Distance: ~23 km
Elevation gain: ~740 m
Net walking time: ~6h
Level: Intermediate - lots of climbing

In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even a few hours before the event. If this happens, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out a message to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your email.

What to bring
- lunch - we will not stop at a cafe/restaurant for lunch
- 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, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please consult the weather forecast on www.meteo.be)
- mosquito/tick repellent
- some money for drinks/snacks/etc

Basic rules
The number of participants is limited, so make sure that you RSVP only if you really intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP asap. This is basic courtesy towards others. Last day cancellations, no-shows and Internet warriors are not appreciated.
Only people whose name appears on the main list may come to the hike.

Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability
You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you choose to take part. As participation in this event 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.