Walk through the heather in Averbode - 10 km

It's that special time of year when a purple carpet covers the fens in the Averbode Forest and Nature Preserve! Join us as we walk through the fields, forests, fens, heathlands and hills of Averbode, adjacent to the renowned Abbey founded by the Norbertines. I am estimating the walk to be 10-12 km. I will determine the actual route when we get there, depending on the weather. There are several options.

Keep your fingers crossed for good weather, and we may have a good sighting of birds at Veerleheide. On Tuesday, there were herons, a variety of ducks, egrets and storks!

MEETING POINT: The meeting point is in front of Het Moment, the cafe on the abbey grounds.

PARKING: GET THERE EARLY. Sometimes parking can be difficult. There are three parking areas, but the lot in front off Het Moment is short term and limited to three hours. There is no time limitation for Parking lot 2, 3 and 4. Lot #2 is across the street from the cafe and has about a dozen spaces. Parking lot 3 is about a 10-minute walk.

TRAFFIC SITUATION: There is extensive road work and closures in Averbode, so don't believe what WAZE tells you about timing. Add 20 minutes as there are several detours. If you get there super early, you can always walk up to the abbey and see the reflecting pool and surroundings. It's quite lovely.

HET MOMENT: We don't need a reservation. If the weather isn't bad, there are lots of picnic tables and benches covered by umbrellas. The cafe serves many of the abbey's specialities, such as dishes with beer, Averbode cheese, and Averbode bread. The home-baked desserts are delicious, as is the Averbode ice cream.

DOGS: Dogs are permitted in the Averbode Bos and Heide Nature Reserve, but they MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES. Het Moment is dog friendly, and even provides bowls of water for your furry friend.

CHANGE OF PLANS: If your plans change, please let us know as early as possible as we expect there to be a waiting list for this walk. I'd like to be able to let people know if they have cleared the waiting list by 17.00 on 30 Saturday. Thanks.

QUESTIONS: Please be on time as we'd like to depart from Het Moment promptly at 10 a.m. If you need to contact me, you can reach me on my GSM at 0470.21.01.89. See you Sunday!