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 (1)
See all- Hike Thieu – Mons (25 km)Brussel-Centraal, Bruxelles
This hike offers a unique combination of historic architecture and beautiful nature. The first part of our tour runs along the “Canal du centre” which is known for its impressive historic boat lifts that are about a hundred years old and are on the UNESCO world heritage list.
Then we walk through the nature park “La reserve Naturelle De Thieu/Havré”. Via the river ‘La Haine’ and a slag heap on our way we reach the village of Havré with its castle ruins surrounded by a moat.
After this we will continue our walk throug forests, fields and small villages to Mons where we can do some sightseeing (central market place, belfry…). For this walk we will mostly follow the GR 412 and the GR 129.
After our hike we can continue our good habit of taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub in Mons before returning to Brussels.
Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)
We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this road before, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. Be prepared for this.
●●You can find the GPX track here
(Please download this file in case you get lost or can’t follow the group)
www.routeyou.com/nl/route/view/15761313●●Meeting point
We meet at 08h30 in front of Starbucks in Brussels Central. The train (IC3729 – Mons) leaves at 08h48 from platform 2.We arrive at 09h43 in Mons where we have to change to take e replacement bus 11846 to La Louvière (because they are working on the rails) who leaves at 09h52 in front of the station. We arrive 10h28 at our destination Thieu and start our hike to Mons.●● Train tickets
The cheapest way to travel is to use the Weekend Ticket to Thieu ( 12,20 €).●● Train back to Brussels
There is a direct train from Mons every hour at XX:17.
For more info check www.nmbs.beLAST TRAIN: 22h17
●● Specifics
distance: ~ 25 km
elevation gain: ~ 151 m
net walking time: ~5h00
level: easyIn the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we 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.com website and/or your emails.
●● What to bring
- warm comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof shoes
- extra socks to change + compeed for blisters
- water and enough food for the breaks
- sun protection oil, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat
(please watch the weather forecast on www.meteo.be )
- a (head) flashlight and a yellow security vest for the evening
- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;-)●● Basic rules
Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP latest 1 day before the hike, so other people still have the possibility to join. . This is basic courtesy towards others. People who cancel at the last minute or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. Yes RSVP, but not Wait Listed).●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability
By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation 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.
