Braine-Le-Compte - Nivelles (24 km)

The forecast promises a cold but sunny Sunday, so let's do a nearby, but pretty, walk from Braine-Le-Comte to Nivelles. We start from the train station along the old tramway into the Bois de la Houssière, from where we descend to the Canal Charleroi-Bruxelles, which we cross in Ronquières with views on the famous inclined plane boat lift. From there we follow the meandering and overgrown old canal before turning towards Nivelles, where we will end the hike with a nice drink.

As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you 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 speed of about 4.5 km/h. We will walk mainly on 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:
Wikiloc: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-braine-le-comte-nach-nivelles-193221313
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/1969828041?share_token=aQrjQuJBp3u4lkatQzk0iCNsk9JlMXTSGmxf1oGEPkDagMfbd7&ref=wtd

●●Meeting point:
We meet at 09h30 in Gare Central in front of Starbucks. Our train (IC 3730 to Mons) leaves from platform 2 at 09.48 and arrives in Braine-Le-Comte at 10.15.

●● Train tickets:
As Braine-Le-Comte and Nivelles are on different lines, standard tickets are the best option

●● Trains back to Brussels:
Trains back from Nivelles 2 times an hour (XX.01 and XX.30)

●● Specifics:
Distance: ca 24 km
Elevation gain: ca 250 m
Net walking time: 5,5 h
Weather forecast: cold but sunny

In 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:

• Comfortable and warm hiking clothes &shoes
• rain gear (just in case)
• headlamp or torch, as we may end the hike when it's already dark
• water + food for the breaks
• Compeed for blisters
• some small money for drinks

●● 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.