Hike 20 km Schellebelle – Kalkense Meersen & Oude Schelde

Join us for a beautiful 20 km hike through the stunning Kalkense Meersen nature reserve and along the peaceful Oude Schelde in East Flanders!

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy wide-open polder landscapes, spot Highland cows (Galloways), migratory birds, and the calm beauty of the Scheldt Valley – one of the last quiet stretches of this historic river.

Why this hike? It's mostly flat (only ~30–60 m total elevation), but long enough for a solid day out. We'll follow well-marked paths (mix of gravel, grass, and some paved sections) through floodplains, nature reserves, and along old river arms. Perfect for nature lovers who want fresh air, good conversation, and a rewarding walk.

Date & Time Sunday, March 15, 2026

• Meet-up: 9:25 AM at Brussels Central Station
• Start walking: 10:30 AM
• Estimated finish: 4:00–5:00 PM (including breaks)

Meeting Points (choose one!)

1. Brussels-Central Station at 9:25 AM – Group meet-up for those coming by train from Brussels. We'll gather in front of Starbucks, have a quick coffee if time, and take the train together to Schellebelle. Great for meeting early and chatting on the ride!
2. Schellebelle Train Station at 10:30 AM – Main starting point. Perfect if you're driving. We'll wait here for the ~10:31 train arrival from Brussels and start shortly after.

How to Get There from Brussels (by train – super convenient & direct!) Direct train from Brussels –

• Recommended train (to arrive ~10:31 AM at Schellebelle):
• From Brussels-Central at 9:45 AM, Train S8 6580
• Arrival: Schellebelle Station approx. 10:31 AM.

Route Details (≈2 km, medium difficulty)

• Start at Schellebelle Station
• Head into the Kalkense Meersen (polder meadows with grazing animals)
• Follow trails along the Oude Schelde, Donkmeer, and Kalkenvaart
• Short ferry crossing
• Loop or out-and-back with scenic extensions toward Schoonaarde area
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate – flat but endurance needed (good fitness recommended)

What to Bring

• Food and water: Bring and at least 1.0 L of water and your lunch. We will have a pic-nic on the way.
• Various and possible: Come with good walking shoes. Have your GSM battery fully charged, better if you have an extra fully charged battery pack with you.
• Weather

The weather will be mostly sunny. Rain is not expexcted. Temperatures will be in the range 6° - 9°C. Dress accordingly.

WhatsApp "share live location"
When participating in our hikes, you should understand how to use the WhatsApp function "share live location". If you don't know what I am talking about google for it and practice at home.
WhatsApp "share live location" is very handy in case you remain behind, arrive late or get lost.

MeetUp privacy settings
Turn off the privacy settings in MeetUp, for not preventing the organizers from contacting you by direct message.

A reminder on the event etiquette (and on good manners in general)
Register only if you are reasonably motivated to participate. As a matter of courtesy towards the people on the waiting list, if you are unable to come, cancel as soon as possible.
If you don't cancel, but you don't show, you make the whole group wait for you unnecessarily, and may also prevent someone on the waiting list to join. This is considered very rude, and may be ground for blacklisting.

"Walking in Bruxelles" WhatsApp group
If you want to be part of the "Walking in Bruxelles" WhatsApp group (requirements: to have at least hiked once with us in the past, or be subscribed and intend to participate to this hike), just send a WhatsApp or SMS message to 0476 796026 (Vincenzo) with your name and the request to subscribe. If you want to be added also to “Brussels (cultural) events” group which is a subgroup of Walking in Bruxelles, but more dedicated to social activities or to the unmoderate chat group "Hikers Chat Corner" please specify it exactly.

Any questions?
Post a comment or send me a message. If you don't find us or if you are late call me at 0476 79 60 26, I will then share live location on WhatsApp.

Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability
You should be fit enough if you want to take part, and you are responsible for yourself and your safety. Know your limits and choose to participate or not accordingly. The organizers in this group are all volunteers, they are not experts or guides, and are just gathering like-minded people for the only purpose to walk/hike/enjoy together. By participating in this event, you agree to release the organizers/hosts from any responsibility/liability, and by signing up for this hike you fully agree with these terms.u