What we’re about
A group for the walking & outdoor enthousiasts in Brussels. Is it necessary to say more? Actually yes.
Activities
The main focus will be mostly given on one-day walks in Belgium. We will mostly follow GR-trails or other walking events that can be reached by public transportation. The trails are selected to show the best of the region they cross (nature, but also national heritage), while avoiding mass tourism areas.
RSVP'ing and no-shows
If you RSVP'd yes for a hike but cannot join please warn at least two day in advance. Persons who don't come or who RSVP'd yes, but change their mind at last minute will be put on the waiting list for the next activities. People who also join several activities and are on the main list of one will also be moved to the end of the waiting list.
Weather
Please note that activities are not automatically cancelled because of the weather, but they may be adapted. Some people do enjoy walking in forests during rain, really. You are asked to change your status if you don't want to join because of the weather. If there are not enough participants, the activity will be then cancelled/postponed.
Disclaimer
The Brussels Hiking Group is not meant to be a hiking club but to allow experienced hikers to announce their willingness to do a given hike, find people to go along with and have a nice day. You are not supposed to be an expert, but to know your limits and choose to participate or not to an activity accordingly. You have also to make sure that you are covered by an insurance policy that covers hiking before taking part to an activity, and you also know the risks inherent to hiking. The Brussels Hiking Group is also a platform to allow interested people to propose their own activities, on their personal initiative. The Brussels Hiking Group acts only in that case as an intermediary and its organisers could not be held responsible in case of accident.
Upcoming events
2
Villers-la-Ville to Braine-l'Alleud (23km)
Gare Centrale, Putterie, Brussels, BEAfter some longer trips, it's time to explore somewhere closer to Brussels, so let's hike from Villers-la-Ville to Braine-l'Alleud (~23km, 350m elevation), in the province of Brabant-Wallon. We will mostly be hiking in forest and farmland, past the famous Abbaye de Villers and the site of the battle of Waterloo. If we're thirsty at the end, which seems likely, we will surely find somewhere in Braine-l'Alleud for an (optional) drink before we head back to Brussels on the direct train.
The weather forecast is for some sun, and possibly a little rain, so bring a rain coat. The path may be muddy in places.
We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. This is quite fast. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this route before, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning.You can find the GPX track here: https://mapy.com/s/cekajukopo
Meeting point and train
We meet at 09:20 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central.
The train IC 2109 (Namur & Luxembourg) leaves from platform 3 at 09:36 (you can also join this train at Brussel Zuid 9:31, Brussel Noord 9:42, Brussel Schuman 9:50, Brussel Luxemburg 9:54).
It arrives at 10:13 in Ottignies where we change on to train S61 4560 (Charleroi-Centraal & Châtelet) leaving from platform 11 at 10:23.
This train arrives in Villers-la-Ville at 10:41.Train tickets
- Single Brussels to Villers-la-Ville, € 5.40 or € 3.20 with Train+
- Single Braine-l'Alleud to Brussels, € 3.70 or € 2.50 with Train+
You probably want to buy the Train+ card for the introductory price of € 3 (1 month) or € 24 (12 months). It can be bought in the SNCB/NMBS app or at ticket machines.Train back to Brussels
There are direct trains from Braine-l'Alleud to Brussels Central every hour at xx:40, taking 23 minutes, and at xx:16, taking 36 minutes.
There is also a direct service to Brussels Luxembourg and Schuman at xx:58, taking 37/39 minutes.Specifics
Distance: ~ 23 km
Elevation gain: ~ 350 m
Net walking time: ~ 5h
Level: Fairly easyIn the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even a few hours before the event. If this happens, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out a message to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your email.
What to bring
- lunch - we will not stop at a cafe/restaurant for lunch
- comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes
- extra socks to change + compeed for blisters
- water (min 2l) and enough food for the breaks
- sun protection oil, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please consult the weather forecast on www.meteo.be)
- mosquito/tick repellent
- some money for drinks/snacks/etcBasic rules
The number of participants is limited, so make sure that you RSVP only if you really intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP asap. This is basic courtesy towards others. Last day cancellations, no-shows and Internet warriors are not appreciated.
Only people whose name appears on the main list may come to the hike.Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability
You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you choose to take part. As participation in this event 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.24 attendees
Chaudfontaine to Esneux (22km)
Gare Centrale, Putterie, Brussels, BETuesday is a public holiday in Belgium (unless you work for the European institutions), and what better way to spend it than on a hike from Chaudfontaine to Esneux (~22km, 550m elevation), in the province of Liège. We will cross from the valley of the Vesdre to the valley of the Ourthe, passing forests, chateaux, and some great views of the rivers. Chaudfontaine is famous for its water, but Esneux has a street of bars next to the station where we will probably drink something stronger (optional) before taking the train back to Brussels.
The weather forecast is for clouds and a little sun, but bring a rain coat anyway. The path will be muddy in places.
We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. This is quite fast. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this route before, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning.
You can find the GPX track here: https://mapy.com/s/modufezonu
Meeting point and train
We will meet at 08h45 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central.
The train IC 507 (Welkenraedt) leaves from platform 3 at 09:01 (you can also join this train at Brussel Zuid 8:56, Brussel Noord 9:07).
It arrives at 09:59 in Liege, where we change on to train S41 5010 (Verviers & Aachen Hbf) at 10:19 from platform 6.
We arrive in Chaudfontaine at 10:30.Train tickets
- Single Brussels to Chaudfontaine, € 14.10 or € 8.40 with Train+
- Single Esneux to Brussels, € 14.60 or € 8.80 with Train+
You probably want to buy the Train+ card for the introductory price of € 3 (1 month) or € 24 (12 months). It can be bought in the SNCB/NMBS app or at ticket machines.Train back to Brussels
There are trains from Esneux to Liege at 15:39, 16:27, 17:39, 18:27, etc. These connect with the xx:00 from Liege to Brussels, arriving at Central station at xx:55.Specifics
Distance: ~22 km
Elevation gain: ~550 m
Net walking time: ~5h
Level: Intermediate (distance, climbing)In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even a few hours before the event. If this happens, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out a message to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your email.
What to bring
- lunch - we will not stop at a cafe/restaurant for lunch
- comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes
- extra socks to change + compeed for blisters
- water (min 2l) and enough food for the breaks
- sun protection oil, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please consult the weather forecast on www.meteo.be)
- mosquito/tick repellent
- some money for drinks/snacks/etcBasic rules
The number of participants is limited, so make sure that you RSVP only if you really intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP asap. This is basic courtesy towards others. Last day cancellations, no-shows and Internet warriors are not appreciated.
Only people whose name appears on the main list may come to the hike.Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability
You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you choose to take part. As participation in this event 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.16 attendees
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