Exploring the South-Luxemburg hills (13.9k hike, with optional 5k extension)

Hello Friends!

Join us for a scenic 14km hike in the south of Luxembourg, where we will tackle one of the higher and more prominent hills in Luxembourg (Titelberg), as well as see some Celtic Ruins (pre-dating even the Roman era of Luxembourg)

After the first climb from Rodange to the plateau of Titelberg, we will stay at more or less the same altitude, meandering up and down through the countryside, sometimes in forests, sometimes through fields, sometimes on mossy hiking paths and sometimes on paved or asphalted roads (although I tried to keep those at a minimum).

As the path is not completely covered by trees, and the sun is expected to be out in full on Saturday, please make sure you have adequate protection (sunscreen, hat, cap) as well as enough water to keep hydrated.
There are picnic benches along the route, but sadly only after about 10-11 km, so, depending on the size of the group, as well as the need for food, we can stop halfway as well near some benches, but it would mean not everyone can sit for lunch.

At the tail-end of the hike, we will be traversing the Gaalgebierg, with stunning views of the surroundings, and in the end we descend to Belvaux-Soleuvre Trainstation, where the first (official) part of the hike ends.

This is a point-to-point hike, meaning our endpoint is at a different location than our starting point, which means that careful planning is required to get to and from the hike, especially when people want to use a car to get there.

When we arrive at Belvaux I will do an additional 5 km, in order to "bag" some (2) more hills for my 42 hills of Luxembourg quest. This is not very scenic, as it will be through the outskirts of Belvaux, but when people would like to join that part, they are welcome.
One word of caution: that additional 5k will be done "at pace", which means an average of 6-7km/h, fast walking uphill and jogging downhills. If you want to join this part, please make sure you have appropriate shoes for that, and that fast hiking / slow trail running is something you enjoy doing.

Difficulty:
This hike has a PADS rating of 2.5, which makes it of moderate difficulty, primarily driven by the distance:

Pace: 2.4 --> between 4 and 5 km/h
Ascent: 2.2 --> 300m of elevation
Distance: 3.4 --> 13.9km of distance
Surface: 2.0 --> well defined hiking trails

Total: 2.5

Meeting Point:
We will meet in front of the Gare Rodange at the following location Meeting Location (Google Maps)

Public Transport:
From Luxembourg Gare:
Take train RB5059 from Luxembourg Gare Central at 09:50 in the direction of Athus, and exit the train after 29 minutes in Rodange Gare

From direction of Esch:
Be on train RE458, which arrives in Rodange at 10:09
Hop ons:
Bettembourg: 09:33
Schifflange: 09:40
Esch: 09:44
Belval Université: 09:49
Differdange: 09:57
Pétange: 10:03

Car(pool):
Carpooling is an option, but with a caveat (as this is a point to point hike).
I would suggest to carpool to Belval (Université) train station, and take the train from there to Rodange. This way, on the way back, you can take the train back to Belval, and carpool back from there.

Train to pick from Belval to be in time for the hike is listed above in the public transport section.

I have set up a carpool, which can be used to plan carpools together:
https://groupcarpool.com/t/kdx7of

Disclaimer:
The hike is at your own risk, and please make sure to wear proper shoes and bring some water and food for yourself!
The weather looks sunny and warm for the weekend, so please make sure you can stay hydrated during the hike.
Looking forward to hiking with you!

Gordon & Brenda