Hiking with Your Dog

Saturday will be extremely hot, let’s exit our home sauna for a refreshing walk aimed at maximising shade and water point close to Brussels. We will meet in front of Starbucks at Brussels central before noon and take the train to Beersel at 12:12 with a connection in Hal, arriving in Beersel at 12:48 where we start hiking during about an hour before lunch in a shaded place along a forest stream. After lunch we stroll through Parc de la Sauvagere and Kauwberg back to Calevoet station with possible exit at Uccle St Job station. From Calevoet station l suggest a trip back to central with a last 10 minutes stroll through Royal Parc up to glacier Bargello or Caberdouche terrace for an ice cream or drink to hopefully celebrate the Red Devils qualification🥂 And for those in vibe there is afterwards a free evening party at Terrace O2 on Meetup. !!! As usual rule in respect of participants and organisers, please only register if you are committed to really attend. Bring 2 liters of water, sun cream, cap, glasses and lunch…

**🌡️ Heatwave Special:** We've deliberately scheduled this walk for **16:30**, after the hottest part of the day, and chosen a shorter, mostly shaded route through the Sonian Forest to make it as comfortable as possible while still enjoying nature together. **This event is free for Sunday Vacations members. Membership starts at €5/year.** 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) *Please RSVP only if you are reasonably sure you can attend and update your RSVP if your plans change.* *** **🌍 Sunday Vacations Community Event** ## Escape the city. Find some shade. Meet great people. With temperatures soaring this week, let's swap hot streets for cool forest paths. Join Sunday Vacations for a refreshing late-afternoon walk through one of Brussels' most beautiful natural areas. We'll explore the peaceful Vuylbeek Valley, where dense beech trees, quiet ponds and shaded trails create one of the city's most refreshing places to spend a summer evening. Starting later in the day allows us to avoid the hottest hours while enjoying the forest at its most peaceful. This is an easy, relaxed walk designed for conversation, fresh air and good company—not for speed or endurance. Whether you're new to Brussels, an expat looking to meet people, or simply craving a nature break after work, everyone is welcome. Because the best way to end a hot day is under the trees. *** # 🌳 The Experience We'll follow a short and scenic route through the heart of the Sonian Forest, passing peaceful ponds, woodland trails and small streams. Thanks to its dense tree canopy and extensive greenery, the Sonian Forest is one of Brussels' natural cooling areas, often feeling noticeably fresher than the city centre on warm days. We'll walk at a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to chat, take photos and simply enjoy being outdoors. Afterwards, anyone who wishes can join for a drink or a bite nearby. *** # 📍 Walk Details 🥾 **Distance:** Approximately **4 - 5 km** *(easy social walk)* ⏱️ **Duration:** Around **1.5 hours** 📈 **Difficulty:** Easy 🌳 Mostly shaded forest paths 💧 Ponds & woodland scenery 👟 Suitable for everyone with normal fitness 🐶 Dogs welcome on a leash *** # 📅 Programme **16:15** Meet the group **16:30** Departure Enjoy an easy walk through the Sonian Forest with several short stops. **Around 18:00** End of the walk. Optional drink afterwards for anyone who would like to continue the evening together. *** # 📍 Meeting Point **Ukkel – Pijnbomenweg** 🕟 **Departure:** **16:30 sharp** The exact Google Maps pin will be shared with registered participants *** # 🌍 Sunday Vacations Membership ### Explorer Starting at €5/year ### Voyager Starting at €50/year ### Ambassador Starting at €150/year Join a community of internationals, expats and locals who enjoy discovering Belgium together. *** # 👥 Who Should Join? Perfect if you: 🌿 Need a break from the heat 🤝 Want to meet new people 🌍 Are an expat or international professional 🚶 Prefer easy walks over long hikes 📸 Enjoy beautiful natural scenery 😊 Want a relaxing Sunday afternoon outdoors **Solo participants are always welcome.** *** # 🎒 What to Bring * Comfortable walking shoes * Water bottle * Light snack (optional) * Hat or cap * Sunscreen * Light jacket for the evening (optional) *** # ℹ️ Good to Know * This is an easy social walk, not a sports hike. * We'll adapt the pace to the group. * Forest paths may be uneven or slightly muddy in places. * Please help us keep the forest clean by taking your litter home. * In case of severe weather or official safety warnings, the event may be postponed. *** ## 🌞 Heatwave Safety Your comfort and safety come first. Although this walk takes place in one of Brussels' coolest and most shaded natural areas, summer temperatures can still be high. Please make sure to: 💧 Bring at least **1 litre of drinking water** 🧢 Wear a hat or cap 🕶️ Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen 👕 Wear lightweight, breathable clothing 🥾 Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip 🍎 Eat something before the walk and bring a light snack if needed. If at any time during the walk you feel dizzy, overheated, or unwell, please inform one of the organisers immediately. We will stop whenever necessary and adapt the pace to the group. Participants are responsible for assessing whether the weather conditions are suitable for their own health. If you have a medical condition that may be affected by heat, please consult your doctor before joining. *** ## ⚠️ Important Notes * This is a relaxed community walk, **not** a guided hiking excursion. * We walk together as a group at an easy pace. * The route may be adjusted or shortened depending on weather conditions. * If the Belgian authorities issue an **Orange or Red heat alert** or if weather conditions become unsafe, Sunday Vacations reserves the right to postpone or cancel the event. Participants will be informed as early as possible. * Please respect the forest, wildlife and other visitors. Leave no trace. *** ## ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations, operated by **UJAMAA ASBL**, is a community organiser and **not a travel agency**. This event is organised by volunteers for members of the community. **Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the COCOF volunteer insurance framework.** Participation is voluntary and at your own responsibility. Each participant is responsible for ensuring that they are physically fit to take part in the activity and for bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, water, and any personal medication they may require. The organiser may modify, shorten, postpone, or cancel the activity if weather or safety conditions make it necessary. Any optional café or restaurant visit after the walk is independent of the event and paid directly by each participant. **VAT not applicable - small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code.** **🌿 Ready to Cool Down?** Leave the heat behind and spend your afternoon surrounded by towering trees, peaceful ponds and good company. Take a deep breath, slow down, and discover why the Sonian Forest is one of Brussels' favourite summer escapes. **Reserve your place today - we'd love to have you with us!**

**Somatic Movement** is a powerful method based on principles and wisdom from Eastern movement practices, such as yoga and Tai Chi, as well as Western techniques and insights from neuroscience, trauma therapy, and burnout recovery. The goal is to activate your body and brain by allowing energy to flow through your system without overloading the nervous system. This is achieved through gentle, intentional movements, stretches and exercises, but also by increasing awareness and sensory perception — both internally (within ourselves) and externally (of our surroundings). Combining tension-releasing stretches, easy flow-restoring exercises (using trees, branches, logs, stones, hills...), doing silent or touch meditations and playful authentic relating games, we're able to release a lot of stored tension and start to feel free, open-hearted, unassuming and adventurous again. The 2h-sessions focus on gradually increasing physical resilience, but include emotional and energetic aspects as well to restore balance in body, mind and spirit. There is no competitive stake, there are no extremes or high-intensity actions involved. But we do sometimes challenge our personal comfort zones a bit, sliding in and out, bumping into some limiting belief or conviction we might carry within. We learn by looking at things from different perspectives. The sessions are guided by seasoned therapist Ken. For more info on his practices, please visit: www.nieuwegrond.be **PRACTICAL** This is a free introduction session for you. But since this is a professional practice, where paying people might participate as well, we can only offer this once. If you wish to continue afterwards, you can talk to Ken personally or book through his website mentioned above. The session starts at 10h sharp and ends at 12h. Meeting and end-point is always Parking Forest Playground Everzwijnbad, Weertsedreef 16, Oud-Heverlee at the border of Meerdaelwoud. Please read the location description well, Google Maps can be a bit tricky. Since we're in the forest and will connect with trees, branches, soil etc, please make sure your clothes can handle this. If you wish, you can bring some water and small towel for comfort, but it's not a must. Please be aware that the organizer can not be held responsible for any damage or losses you might suffer. A safe environment is a priority for everyone. The event will be cancelled only when the weather really doesn't allow it. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask via personal message. We hope to see and connect with you there! Ken

Hi everyone. Boulder session at Arkose. They have airco to help with the heatwave. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to try something new, this event is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and meet like-minded individuals. After the climb, stick around and grab a snack or a drink with the others and talk about the sweet smell of chalk on your hands or brag about the amount of times you fell on the soft mattress ;p **Practical info** We will be heading to Arkose Canal. Address: Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Brussels First time at Arkose? Entry & rental shoes for €10 via the website: [https://arkose.com/en/canal?lang=en](https://arkose.com/en/canal?lang=en)

* 25km loop from Jette to [Meise](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jnTgQwFcMu9Nt8zw6). Estimated moving time 1h30 not including lunch and some brief stops. Elevation 160m. * Coffee 11h00 \| leaving 11h30\. * Lunch at the halfway point around Meise. Bring your own. We'll try the [Kawa cafe](https://maps.app.goo.gl/51xmReQqsgxRgPFz9) near the planetarium. * Meet at [Guinguette Fabiola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kLTGZUybywAfZ6M5A), also called Zomerbar Fabiola, in Parc Roi Baudouin. * View the route or download the GPX from [here](https://loc.wiki/t/271209071?wa=sc). * If bad weather is forecast this will be cancelled so check the event page before start time. * See more general information on the [What we're about](https://www.meetup.com/brussels-cycling-group/) page. * Tel: 04 86 40 6816. **Start** Please note the later than usual start time of 11h30 since Fabiola doesn't open till 11h00.

¡Ey, qué tal! ¿Crees que podrías sobrevivir solo con tu español? Vamos a ponerlo a prueba con un picnic 🧺 en el parque.🌳 📍Dónde: Cinquantenaire, "Tour de Tournai" (búscalo en google maps). 💡La idea: Empezamos con una mini intro y luego hablamos de todo: actividades, viajes, música… Y si tienes ganas, ¡jugamos a algo! Todo en español, así que ¡prepárate para la inmersión! Dependiendo de cuántos seamos, podemos dividirnos por niveles para que todos disfruten al máximo. 🎲 Juegos: Juegos rápidos y divertidos (tipo UNO o Exploding Kittens), también algo para moverse un poco el cuerpo (bádminton, pétanque, lo que apetezca 😄). Yo llevaré unos, pero si tienes alguno que te guste, tráelo sin miedo. Eso sí, los juegos con texto, ¡en español! ⏱ Horarios: Empezamos a las 14:00, pero si llegas más tarde, no pasa nada, te unes cuando quieras y te quedas el rato que quieras. 🚦Lista de espera ¡No existe! 😄 📢 Más info se puede compartir en el chat o por DM —asegúrate de revisar tus mensajes el día antes para no perderte nada crítico . ‍🐈‍⬛ El Código de los Amigos: Nada de formalidades – aquí venimos a divertirnos Respeto y buena onda – si no, ¡¿Los errores?! ¡Nos dan igual! Y si algo se complica, volvemos a lo que conocemos mejor: 💃🎭🎸 ¡Hasta luego!

🌞 Summer Meetup – Drinks, Music & Dancing in Brussels! 🌞 Hello everyone, After many weeks of our French Conversation Meetups, it's time for a special summer gathering! Let's enjoy a pleasant summer evening together with drinks, good music, dancing, and great company. Whether you have joined our French conversation tables before or you're coming for the first time, you are very welcome. 📅 Date: Saturday, 27 June 📍 Venue: Terrasse O2 / Hippodrome 🍹 Drinks, conversations, music and dancing 🎉 Meet old friends and make new ones You can take: • **Tram 8** – Stop: Hippodrome de Boitsfort • **Tram 25** – Stop: Hippodrome de Boitsfort • **Bus 41** – Stop: Hippodrome de Boitsfort If you are coming from Brussels city centre, you can take **Metro Line 1 or 5 to Montgomery**, then **Tram 8** to Hippodrome de Boitsfort. We will meet inside the terrace area. This evening is all about relaxing, having fun, and enjoying the summer atmosphere together. Feel free to invite your friends! If you cannot find the group, please call: 📞 Mehrdad: 0486 65 22 42 Looking forward to seeing you all! Mehrdad https://www.google.com/maps/place/La+Terrasse+O2+-+Restaurant+Rose+Lulu/@50.7970981,4.3959753,3a,22y,181.67h,89.62t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s1-pgk1woO0zpLCvxF63vXw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D0.37642767116010134%26panoid%3D1-pgk1woO0zpLCvxF63vXw%26yaw%3D181.6674200677731!7i16384!8i8192!4m6!3m5!1s0x47c3c52c342305c9:0x748f2cdadd6006fe!8m2!3d50.796293!4d4.3954164!16s%2Fg%2F11btwsfgbw?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D * La Terrasse de l'Hippodrome [Chaussée de La Hulpe, 51 1180 Uccle](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=50.79695204,4.39547151) * Enjoy the Meetup!

We will follow the GR 126 from Lustin to Namur, a route along the Meuse Valley, packed with steep forested climbs, stunning river viewpoints, and a historical finish passing Namur's Citadel - and maybe a stop for a drink or ice-cream, depending on the train schedule. There is rain forecasted for the afternoon, but that should not stop us from hiking :) The number of participants is limited to 15, so please manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average moving speed of 5km/h. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: https://loc.wiki/t/270911426?wa=sc ●●Meeting point: We meet at 8.10 in Brussels Central station next to the main stairs. Our train (IC 2108 to Luxembourg) leaves from platform 3 at 08.20. We have a connecting train in Namur and arrive to Lustin at 10.05. ●● Trains back to Brussels: direct trains from Namur are every hour at XX.16. ●● Train ticket: One way ticket to Lustin is 9.60€ or 5.80€ with train+. One way ticket from Namur is 8.00€ or 4.80€ with train+. Return ticket to Lustin should also be ok. ●● Specifics: Distance: ± 22 km Elevation gain: 400 m Net walking time: ± 5 h Weather forecast: sunny and hot, with some rain forecasted in the afternoon. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, I may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, I 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: * Plenty of water for the heat + pack your own lunch/snacks * Comfortable hiking shoes and clothes * Sun and bug protection (Sunscreen, hat, tick repellent, etc) * Raingear * Small money for drinks/ice-cream ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events 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.

**Hike #5** You are invited to join this short hike by the Meetup group "**Walking, Talking, maybe a Picknick**". This is a great opportunity to flee the high temperature and cool down in the forest. 😊 **When** Sunday 28/06 21:30 Assembly 23:30 Ending **Intro** We're going to hike \~8**km** in the Uccle/Ukkel part of the **Forêt de Soigne/Zoniënwoud**, just before twilight until complete darkness. **Start and assembly location** Drohme park. Chau. de la Hulpe 53A, Uccle Assembly on the race track of the Drohme park near the tribune, which is the far end of the picture. Please be on time as we will leave at 21:35 **By car** Why would you? **By public transport** hop off Hippodrome de Boisfort **Dogs, cats, other animal** This time no pets allowed. **The hike and your preparation** This 8km hike will take approx 2 hours, without breaks. If you have, bring your head lamp, although using it will spoil the whole thing. Just let your eyes adapt to the darkness. That will also make it easier to detect any Firefly. The weather forecast suggests blue sky, around 27 °C. There is no mention of rain. Anyway make sure to carry water. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To cover my costs as a Meetup organiser I'm going to ask for a voluntary calendar year contribution. **Community contribution:** €5 for non members What is included: \*Event organisation - Group coordination *Guided community hiking experience Not included - Public transport ticket *Any insurance - Food & drink *Personal expenses ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hey Folks, Sunday seems like it's not going to be super hot :)) We can do for a light hike (8-10km). Let's make the most of the sunshine, enjoy the fresh air, and spend some time in nature! You can bring your own food and drinks with you, and then we will enjoy it next to woodpeckers at La Cambre. Very much looking forward to seeing you guys! P.S. Be on time, we leave at 10:10 Cheers Yifei

On Sunday we will keep in the shade by enjoying the Tervuren Arboretum, its still going to be warm so not too strenuous. We will start at Jezus Eik, Parking de Bosuil at approx. 13 Witherendreef, and walk 9 km and finally enjoy refreshment at the Café de la foret, Brusselsesteenweg 650, Overijse (Jezus Eik). There are a lot of roadworks in the area, so I am hoping we can reach the intended start point ok. I need to phone and confirm how many will stay for lunch. Rachel https://mapy.com/s/demazogefa

Join us on Sunday, June 28th, for our weekly morning run to get your day started on the right foot! We are gathering at our regular haunt, Café Belga, and we can't wait to see you there—whether you're a first-timer with the Brussels Runners Meetup or a familiar face. What to Expect: Distance: \~13 km Pace: \~6 min/km Mixed Terrain: A great combination of dirt paths, forest trails, and some road sections. Scenic Views: Enjoy the local beauty as we traverse diverse landscapes starting right from Place Flagey. Good Company: Run with like-minded individuals and make new friends. Post-Run Coffee: We'll wrap things up right where we started for an optional gathering, refreshments, and camaraderie at Café Belga. Bag drop : No See you all on June 28th outside Belga! Let's hit the trails.

**Join us for a relaxed Sunday morning meetup at Caffè Leopold in Porte de Namur!** We’ll meet from 11:30 to 13:30 to enjoy coffee, brunch, and easy conversations in a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, practice English or French, and spend a nice Sunday morning together. Everyone is welcome — whether you come alone or with a friend. Just bring your good mood and be open to meeting others 😊 After the meetup, for those who want, we can also continue with lunch in a nearby place 🍽️ **📍 Location: Caffè Leopold, Porte de Namur** **https://maps.app.goo.gl/UvTUU1H59J4yatS86** **🕦 Time: Sunday, 11:30–13:30** **☕ What to expect: Coffee, casual conversations, friendly people, and a relaxed Sunday vibe.** Join the WhatApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EimXMXyRBjo7PfHRoVc1j7](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EimXMXyRBjo7PfHRoVc1j7) Personal number: 0471695419

*Due to the summery weather forecast lets meet in Parc Royal instead. Find us at one of the tables at Woodpecker. If you cannot find us call* me via 0032 485 38 09 23 ----------- Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **June** we will be discussing "The Pragmatist’s Guide to Life: A Guide to Creating Your Own Answers to Life’s Biggest Questions" by Simone and Malcolm Collins. For more information about the book check out goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38452905-the-pragmatist-s-guide-to-life](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38452905-the-pragmatist-s-guide-to-life) How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

Join us for a 2.4 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail south from Casto park to Strawberry Farms park and back. This is a fully paved flat trail along Alum Creek. Come and enjoy a great hike with us!

**Hike the Scioto Audubon trail. All paved and flat!** **Plan on 3-4 miles. Hike at your own pace, no one left behind.** **Lunch after at Nocterra for those who wish.**

Meet near the shelter house by the boat ramp off Africa Rd. We'll hike the multipurpose trail, which is mostly grass. 4.1 miles.