As I mentioned in the last post, my visit to Spa was a lazy one. The only thing I did was one small, mild hiking in the woods close to the resort. There are several waymarked trails in this region and we chose the one that passed through the Corsendonk Sol Cress. The weather was great and we came across some walking, some nordic walking, some cycling and more! But I was the most special - hiking with babywearing!
Also Read: Skydiving in Belgium at SkydiveSpa
FAMILY FRIENDLY HIKES IN SPA, WALLONIA, BELGIUM
Well, this was my first ever hike after the birth of Atyudarini. So I wanted to keep it simple and mild. 3 of the waymarked trails of the Pays des Sources maps, crossed through the cemetery located just behind the resort and we took up the red square marked trail.
It began with an almost dirt track which later paved way for a small worn-out path in the deeper woods. Though technically there was supposed to be a stream in the way. But thanks to the heat, it hardly had any water.
THERMAL BATHS IN SPA - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN BELGIUM
Finally, after walking for some time into the woods, this particular trail, had a portion that was in the paved roads which led to the Parc des Sept Heures where we stopped to have some food. In this park is the monument called Leopold II Gallery and it was around that the historic thermal bath of the city once stood (constructed in 1841). This was in fact the 2nd thermal bath in Spa to be constructed, the first-ever one (constructed in 1828) is now the Town Hall square. The 3rd one, the historic Thermal Bath of Spa that's still standing is a few steps ahead on Rue Royale which now serves as the Spa Tourism Office. Thanks to this mineral-rich groundwater, and thermal quality, Spa, Belgium has been listed as one of the 5 Great Spa Towns of Europe under UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Beyond that, we took a deviation and got into another waymarked trail of Extra Trail map and explored a bit before looping back to the resort. It was one heck of a relishing walk! Much needed break after childbirth!!!
It has been ages since I got on the hills. I was a bit scared in the beginning, esp. in the slopes, to walk with the baby in the back. Now, I've gained more confidence. Hope I'll explore more regions, terrains & trails with Atyudarini safe and sound in the baby carrier. Did I mention that half an hour into the forest, she slept off!!!
P.S: Click here to know what I wore incl. Babywearing details
P.S: Click here to know what I wore incl. Babywearing details
TIPS TO GO HIKING AT SPA, BELGIUM
Wear sturdy shoes. In winters it can snow here and make sure you wear warm shoes then! Here's a guide to pick the best hiking shoes.
GPS & cellphone picks signal in the entire forest, so don't worry, as long as you have battery in your phone, you won't get lost!
15 km from Spa is Coo, the highest waterfalls in Belgium. A weekend trip or a long trek with an overnight stop to visit Coo Waterfalls as well is a good idea.
SPA HOTELS, BELGIUM
Spa Hotels & B&Bs at all price points are available all over the town. Many hotels also provide passes to utilize in the Thermal Bath Spa. Here’s my review of Corsendonk Sol Cress, where I stayed, which also provided passes to use in Thermal Bath Spa.
HOW TO REACH SPA / HIKING IN SPA MAPS
To Spa & Corsendonk Sol Cress: Refer to my earlier post.
Extra Trail way marked Map (Downloadable PDF) with 4 trails
Pays des Sources way marked Map available to buy as paper map with 72 trails
Pays des Sources way marked Map available to buy as paper map with 72 trails
wow! i totally envy u
ReplyDeleteI was in Belgium for a few days and spent all the time in Bruges and Brussels! Guess this great country has a lot more to offer. Like these great hikes for example!
ReplyDeleteYour photos bring back lovely memories of living in the southern part of the Netherlands near the Belgium border by Liege. It was also a beautifully wooded area, and my sister and I loved exploring there.
ReplyDeleteWalking trails in the beautiful shade of the forest looks like a really relaxing way to enjoy the environs of Spa, in Ardennes.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I must say, you are very brave to carry a toddler on hills and go for a big hike. I love forests on mountainous regions and can go always for a hike. It is sad that due to hear, you missed the stream. But your daughter looks very comfortable in sling.
ReplyDeleteIt is always nice to be back to nature. We used to trek as well back in the grade school every weekends with my Mom and our dogs. What insect repellant do you use for your little one?
ReplyDeleteA stroll in the forest is always nice in the summer! I like how peaceful it seems. A nice way to get some workout done with the baby on your back!
ReplyDeleteI always think of Belgium as city upon city. Nice to know there are beautiful woodlands to explore
ReplyDeleteI have not been in Belgium yet but I should spend a lot time there. So many things to do except of Bruges...Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteNature is the happy place. Its commendable you hiked with your child. I am sure that you had a great experience. The forest looks so good. It has a calming effect.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are so beautiful that I feel like traveling there right now. I am pinning this post to help plan our future trip to Belgium.
ReplyDeleteThe place looks lovely. Its always a wonderful experience being able to walk in the forest and just soak in the beauty of mother nature. Lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteI would love to go for a hike there, it really looks so great! I really like reading about all these great adventures in Belgium.
ReplyDeleteI was in Belgium for a few days and spent most of my time in Brussels and missed out on these things! I Guess this is a great reason to come back. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteSometimes going back to nature even just have a stroll around helps us to gain our strength and refresh our minds. The healing of listening to the sounds of trees swaying in the air is very soothing.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that, we all at first feel worried about the babies while travelling but I have found that they perform better than us. You did great. The place looks serene.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Bhushavali, on your first hike with your baby! Strapped to your back, no less. You are to be commended on your commitment to health and wellness, and for already introducing it to your next generation.
ReplyDeleteI can see why you chose to start with the pretty Belgian town of Spa. Known as the "Pearl of the Ardennes," Spa is an eco-travel haven – located in a forested valley and surrounded by the Ardennes Mountains, rivers and springs. It's also the perfect outdoor adventure destination. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking, walking, cycling, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Horse riding, climbing and mountain biking are other popular sports in the Ardennes.
The Romans were the first to discover its natural springs deep in the Ardennes countryside, and people still visit the town in search of hydrotherapy. Today, this idyllic town is dotted with spa facilities which offer hot swimming pools, as well as natural mineral geysers.
As a cruisetour planner specializing in wellness travel, I'm always excited when I discover a gem like Spa that's off-the-beaten track, yet easily accessible to a cruise port of departure. Since Spa is less than 2 hours by car from either Antwerp or Brussels, it's very convenient for cruise vacationers who want to "take the waters" and reconnect with nature to rejuvenate body and mind before or after a tulip cruise.
"Tulip Time" or "Tulips and Windmills" cruises along the inland waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium are very popular from the end of March through early May, as that's when tulips are most typically in bloom. Depending upon the chosen itinerary, you can embark in either Brussels or Antwerp (Belgium) and 7-10 days later disembark in Amsterdam (the Netherlands), or vice versus. Along the way, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through the vast network of canals and rivers of the Dutch Waterways, with stops in key cities that allow you to soak up Dutch and Flemish culture and immerse yourself in their history. You can cycle through tulip fields, stroll the renowned Keukenhof Gardens, and see the windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thank you, Bhushavali, for putting Spa my radar! It's the perfect destination for the young and young-at-heart with a passion for exploring and a taste for authentic experiences. I'll share this post with them and in my Facebook travel group. I invite you to follow the backlink to my blog and share in the Comments, for posterity's sake, your insights as to why a traveler should consider start or ending their cruise vacation with a visit to Spa. Best wishes and happy travels!