Beach (swimming) and forest hike - loop 16.5k, from Burgh-Haamstede, Zeeland

Hike, forest and beach day!

The weather will be cooler at the Dutch coast on Sunday, to be able to hike in the forest and dunes, but warm enough to swim and chill out at the beach, before ending the hike with a drink or dinner at the beach restaurant.
(some of you have done part of this hike 2 years ago)

Bring your swimming costume and towel, sun cream and a hat!
Shoes: I recommend closed shoes and either sandals or flip-flop in your bag to walk on the sand by the water (while hiking sandals are great, last time I had a big problem walking on the dunes, because the sand was excruciatingly hot!)

The hike will be a 16.5K loop (can be shortened if one enjoys the beach too much!).
It will start near the village of Burgh-Haamstede in the Netherlands, and we will walk mainly in the forest and a bit of open field, passing a pond where we will swim, then reach the dunes and the beach.

We will have lunch at a nice spot on the beach, where we will chill out and swim for a while.
When we have enough, we will walk more on the beach, and towards the end of the hike we will stop for a drink/dinner at the beach restaurant (and I guess anther swim)!
I suppose some of us will stop there for longer, and those who want can continue independently the last few km to reach the cars.

The arrival time depends entirely on how long we stay on the beach and how long you will stay for a drink. Consider this a whole-day event!

You need to organise carpooling, as going by public transport is realistically not feasible.
People who come by car are strongly encouraged to give lifts and announce it here and in the whatsapp group. Passengers, consider that drivers will only post it when they are 100% sure, so don't give up... keep checking who is offering lifts and contact them, and ask again just before the hike if you haven't found any offer just before the hike.

Meeting point: Address:
Parkeerplaats Het Groene Duin, Bosweg, A. van de Weijdeweg, Burgh-Haamstede, Netherlands
(SORRY, PARKING IS PAYING... but from what I remember it wasn't too much)

• Speed

Around 4.7/5 Km/h on average while walking.

• Food

Bring your lunch and at least 1.5 L of water. We will have a pic-nic on the way.

• Arrival
  Same as starting point, Time unsure... depends on how long we stay on the beach! People might continue the last part of the hike independently if they are under time pressure.
• Weather
  So far forecast is 25° and sunny. Let's hope it stays like this, so bring suncream, and something to protect your head from sunstroke.
• 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.

• 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. Not doing so, you will prevent 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.

• "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 in the message.

• Any questions?

Post a comment or send me a message. If you don't find us or if you are late call me at 0471 75 0403 (Claudia) or write on the Whatsapp group - 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.