BELGIAN ARDENNES HIKING WEEKEND
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with great views, clean fresh air and greenery, the Belgian Ardennes is the place to be. Here you’ll find meandering rivers, leafy forests and mountainous hillsides. The region is beautiful at any time of the year. In summer, the rivers sparkle and all is green. In winter, a layer of snow often covers the high ground.
It’s the perfect place to unwind, recharge and reconnect.
OURTHE VALLEY
We are staying in a small picturesque village on the hilltops of the Ourthe valley. The Ourthe Valley is one of the most beautiful areas of the Ardennes and a true hikers paradise. It’s possible to walk there for hours without seeing anyone. The valley got its name because of the river Ourthe which is weaving its way through the area. The Ourthe boasts exceptional water quality and lush, green surroundings. During one of our hikes we will be following the banks of the river (unless the water is too high).
THE HIKES
Our hikes, one on Saturday and one on Sunday will be around 10-15 km long. Suitable waterproof hiking footwear is essential due to the rough, uneven sometimes wet terrain (we might have to cross a small stream).
Please bring a reusable water bottle and a rain jacket. You don’t need prior hiking experience for these hikes, but good health and reasonable fitness are important.
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation for the weekend is a lovely house in the countryside. It is close to the beautifully situated tourist town La Roche (9KM), which is worth a visit. The house is located on a hill (500m high) and the view from the dining room over the Ourthe Valley is breath taking.
The house has a living room, dining room, terras, big kitchen and several bedrooms. 2 or 3 people will share a bedroom. Free wifi is available. We can use the cozy wood stove in the dining room and make a fire in the garden.
Please bring a cover for the duvet and a cover for the mattress.
FOOD
Breakfast, packed lunches, tea and coffee, soup on the evening of arrival are included. On Saturday evening we’ll have dinner in a local restaurant in town. The place is hidden, but certainly worth a visit. This dinner is not included.
On Friday (arrival day) it’s nice to have a shared dinner ( a potluck). We had it last year and it was great. Everyone brought something small (sometimes something traditional from his, her country) which we all shared. There wi’ll also be a big pan of soup Friday evening.
IMPORTANT! THERE IS NO SUPERMARKET IN THIS TOWN, SO PLEASE BRING EVERYTHING YOU NEED. IF YOU’D LIKE TO DRINK SOMETHING ELSE THEN TEA OR COFFEE (MILK ORANGE JUICE IN THE MORNING), PLEASE BRING IT.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
INCLUDED:
2 nights accommodation in shared rooms (2 people)
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
Packed lunches on Saturday and Sunday
Soup on arrival day
2 Guided hikes
Tourist tax
NOT INCLUDED:
Transport to Belgium
Dinner on Saturday evening
Drinks other than coffee or tea
