Suzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanMar 10
Considering my mediocre morning, I managed to do episode 19 of the #GR5 from Diest to Lummen in Belgium. In continuous dry weather I left Diest using some of the fortifications, went past some of the embankments of the Demer river, a forest reminding me of the Campine from previous episodes. I expected 17,7 km, a route change made it 18,8 km. Next time the route continues to Wijvenheide!
Suzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanMar 6
Today I did my 18th episode of the #GR5, an exact 20 km from Testelt to Diest in Belgium. After the Demerbroeken, the landscape became noticeably different from the past two episodes. I left the Campine and arrived in the gentle hills of the Hageland, where I could see the tower of the Averbode abbey for the last time. The sudden change of scenery is why I love long distance trails so much.
Show threadSuzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanMar 3
The next episode of the #GR5 is starting in Testelt, to do the second route variant between Testelt and Zichem. I will have to redo about a km of today’s route for that, but that isn’t a punishment!
Suzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanMar 3
This morning and afternoon it was time for episode 17 of the #GR5 from Westerlo to Zichem, in Belgium. I think the 21,6 km today might be the most beautiful hike I ever did in Flanders so far. Heath, forests, the Averbode abbey, a long boardwalk and a lovely view over Testelt and the Demer valley. And amazing early spring weather ☀️
Suzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanFeb 16

Oh, I thought the route of the #GR5 between Kalmthout and Westmalle would change, but the route between Westmalle and Herentals is also going to change. Don't know if that was really needed 🤔

(Probably will have to hike it as well, because I then can colour a couple of new municipalities on my map)

Suzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanFeb 14
After a break of a couple months, it was finally time to continue with the #GR5 today. I hiked 22,5 km from Herentals to Westerlo. With every kilometer, the route became more beautiful 😍 the route passed along the Tongerlo Abbey, and I ended on the embankment of the Grote Nete river.
MissLovePoetryFeb 10
#hiking #GR5 #hogevenen #nature #gooutside #seekbeauty #beautyiseverywhere #wanderlust #wanderlust
Suzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanOct 28
Today the weather turned out good enough to do another hike on the #GR5, so I did 16.4 km from Zandhoven to Herentals. The first 9.5 km was a lovely hike through fields and forests, mostly devoid of the Flemish plague of randomly build houses. From the old water mill in Grobbendonk the trail followed the Kleine Nete stream, until like 200 meters of the railway station of Herentals. Slowly the landscape of the Kempen I got to appreciate in Noord-Brabant earlier this year is back 🥰
Suzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanOct 24
Today I did another section of the #GR5, just over 20 km from Noorderkempen station in Brecht to Zandhoven. Some nice sections, especially the first half after leaving Brecht. I hope to do one more episode next week to get to Herentals, then it’s done for this year.
Suzanne ‘bionic’ VeermanOct 22
Today I hiked 19.7 km on the #GR5 from Kijkuit station to Noorderkempen station. This isn’t Belgiums prettiest route, but I did my very best to create pictures of the most beautiful parts. This however, won’t hide the fact the route is thought out as going as straight ahead as possible, with better landscapes waiting on you in the next 2000 km to Nice.