When you Google the term “stone stacking”, you’ll find a shit-ton of information. There are lots of different meanings behind these stacked rocks. I’ve seen them before, but on our last hike at the Liechtenstein gorge, I was overwhelmed by the amount. Also at Lago di Braies, on its South side, we encountered plenty. So I became curious. After researching a bit I learned that this practice does more harm than good.

In the outdoor community, it’s usually recognized as a trail marking, but it actually origins in many spiritual and cultural practices. Think of its use in Buddhist tradition or Vikings practices. Even seafarers used stacked stones for navigating long before lighthouses came to be. Because of their wide significance, these types of stones go by different names. Some people call them stone johnnies, cairns, or stacked stones. So you see, before it became a social media trend as we know it today, it actually had (and still has) more purpose.

Leave nothing but footprints

Nowadays, stone stacking is a popular trend amongst hikers so it seems like we need to do some awareness work here. You see… when you intentionally move stones, you displace important ecosystem structures. In addition, moving rocks in any way contributes to soil erosion, as the dirt once protectively tucked under them is now vulnerable. Slowly, we start to turn natural landscapes into peopled places.

Do we want that? No. If we want to keep enjoying the outdoors as we do today, we have to start taking responsibility. “Leave nothing but footprints” preaches that message clearly and effectively.

What to do when you encounter these cairns?

Obviously: don’t add any. You could consider breaking them down if you feel comfortable with it. Only do it when you are sure these cairns don’t serve any other purpose because you don’t want to destroy those intentionally set as navigational aids. In the poll off Adventure Journalism, other co-travelers advise how to. Here I highlight one comment:

“Please dismantle them gently. Knocking them down can irreparably damage sensitive plant and small animal (inc insects and other invertebrates’) habitats. If you’re going to dismantle them, do it gently, or inform park/area staff so they can do so.”

Commented by M. on the forum

Would you like to have more in-depth information? Please read this article here. Next time you and your friends go for a hike, you have something to talk about If you wish to read more about sustainable travel, you might like my last article about flying and its impact. Cheers

The post Rock stacking: why you shouldn’t participate appeared first on Simply By Joy.

Fondry Des Chiens

Fondry Des Chiens, also known as the Grand Canyon of Belgium. These rock formations were created by (rain)erosion, a natural process that started millions of years ago. Travel Tip: combine your visit with a hike around

Abbaye de Villers (Villers‑la‑Ville)

Not a common abbey, but a ruin that remains half‑standing since the 12th century. Most people only visit the abbey, and skip exploring the area around. Read this article for hiking‑inspiration near the abbey.

Durbuy

Promoted as the smallest city of the world. A perfect place for wanderers who love cosy and picturesque getaways (shopping, restaurants, souvenir shops, beautiful views, …) and also a perfect place for the adventure seeker (hiking, kayak, adventure park, biking,…)

Trail du Hérou

For the adventurous ones: the nature site ‘Le Hérou’ offers challenging hikes, beautiful views, and peaceful surroundings. Don’t skip hiking up the Rocher de Hérou for a view over the Ourthe

Kasteel van Walzin

Impressive, right? A castle that elegantly stands at the edge of a cliff, with the Lesse passing by. Tip: you can kayak by the place or reach it by car/hiking

Enjoy! Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t litter, and stay on the path.

 Cheers!

The post Favorite places in the South of Belgium appeared first on Simply By Joy.

The rock formations take up a length of about 100 meters and a height of 20 meters. Not only is this a viewpoint for tourists, but it’s also home to a diverse range of fauna and flora. It is definitely a highlight in Belgium.

Getting to Nimes

The nearest train station from Nismes is in Couvin. From this station on you could take a bus that takes you to the town of Nismes. If you choose to come by car you can easily park right next to the tourist office, which offers free parking!

Getting to Fondry des Chiens

There are several ways of getting to the rock formations. The easiest way is parking right next to the rock formation. But… how does this saying go? It’s about the journey, not the destination. Seeing Fondry des Chiens can easily be combined with a beautiful hike. Nismes offers many hiking trails. Most of them start next to the church of Nismes. In this table, I’ve summarized the most popular hikes to Fondry des Chiens:

All trails entail different distances and unique features. There is no need to worry about finding your way as the signs are well visible on your route. My friend and I hiked the 9 km trail (red + white flag: Les Abennets) and ended our trail with our visit to Fondry des Chiens. Feeling satisfied and tired, we decided to spend some time in the town of Nismes (which of course, included drinking Belgian beer ).

The professionals at the tourism office of Nismes will gladly assist you with more information about the routes (free map!), the ‘what to do’s’ and a public toilet.

There you go, some inspiration for your next trip to Belgium!  Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t litter, and stay on the path. 

Peace and love!

The post Fondry des Chiens, the Grand Canyon of Belgium appeared first on Simply By Joy.

The Nature site ‘Le Hérou’ offers a challenging hike, beautiful views, and peaceful surroundings. The cherry on the cake is definitely standing on the top of the Rocher du Hérou, being the flank of a long and unique rock formation found at the meanders of the Ourthe. Hike up and you will be rewarded with wonderful landscapes.  The park is located in Houffalize, which is not too far from other recommendable nature spots (Nisramont for example).

You can make the hike as long as you please, starting from the parking lot right next to the viewpoint or basically anywhere else. As we traveled by van we had decided to park right next to the church of Nardin. There, we walked our way down till we reached the Ourthe. Note: the time we visited was a very dry period for Belgium. Make sure to wear waterproof shoes/clothes and be aware of slippery roads.

We ended up hiking about 8 km, with lots of steep hills to cover. Lotte and I didn’t really have a plan for our hike, but once we did learn that the blue-wavy signs direct you to Rocher du Hérou. 

The area is known for its nature and the challenges that it brings along. But also, of course, for the beautiful views. Be aware that this hike might be challenging so take it slow and be careful. Hiking is not racing, of course. Also, make sure to bring enough refreshments. Further… just enjoy nature and take it all in!

It’s not only the Rocher du Hérou that makes the hike a must-do, but it’s also the other viewpoints and beautiful sites.

There you go, some inspiration for your next trip to Belgium! Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t litter, and stay on the path.  Cheers.

More trips in the South of Belgium here.

The post Rocher du Hérou – Natural park of the two Ourthes appeared first on Simply By Joy.

History

The abbey was birthed in 1146 when a small group of 17 monks initiated the establishment. As it grew in both size and wealth, but the French revolution let to its downfall. The abbey experienced all styles: from Gothic to Neoclassical… to destruction. Of course, as we can all agree, the ruins of the abbey along with nature and the hills behind it form a romantic scenery. Well, that’s what Victor Hugo thought as well!

Anyway, enough about the past – let’s jump into the now. 

The abbey today

The abbey is easily reachable, both by car (free parking!) and by public transportation (encouraged). Read more here. Tip: take your picnic along and eat it within the walls of the Villers Abbey – Picnic places are provided! 

Dogs are allowed too, as long as you keep them on the leash.

Hiking around the Abbey

This area does not only offer you to see the majestical ruins, but also nature. There are tons of walking routes around the abbey and I tested one of them: a 9,5-kilometer hike in the forest that surrounds the Villers Abbey. My friend found hiking inspiration through the Cirkwi app: not most user-friendly but it has amazing routes available.

Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t liter and stay on the path.

Cheers!

More inspiration for the South of Belgium.

The post Villers Abbey – A perfect day trip in Belgium appeared first on Simply By Joy.

How to get there?

You can take a micro/bus towards Curauma. From the Sotomayor square, you could take bus number 001, 002 and 901 (or you can check the number of the busses through Google Maps). Try to follow your actual location on your online maps, or ask the bus driver to let you know when you get to Avenida Curauma Norte. Once at the town of Curauma, get off at the (only and) big roundabout. From there on, you can walk towards the park and start your journey.

Depending on your arrival time you could decide to walk along the lake and then walk towards the waterfall, or immediately head there. I’d recommend you to download MAPS.ME application on your smartphone. The application clearly shows you the possible paths within the park. The waterfall is named ‘Salto Del Agua’.

Once you’ve reached the viewpoint of the waterfall, you’ll be able to hike down. I’d like to make it very clear that it’s not the easiest hike, it’s very steep and slippery, full of rocks and tree roots. Also, the way up is a serious challenge as you’ll have to be able to climb over the big rocks again. I used the roots of the trees to help to pull myself up. It’s heavy but it’s worth it! Consider it as a small adventure. I don’t recommend this hike for people who do not feel fit. It’s also perfectly possible to enjoy the landscape from the viewpoint, without hiking down.

In order to get back to Valparaiso, you’ll have to head back to the main road and the roundabout. There, you can take several buses back. Just check with the driver.

Budget:

• +/- 1000 CLP to pay for the bus
• … that’s it there is no entrance fee for the park

Tips:

• Bring enough water & lunch/snacks.
• Leave on time from Valparaiso (approx. 10 am).
• Walk through the park towards viewpoint: easy.
• Hike from viewpoint towards the base of the waterfall: hard (wear suitable clothes: walking shoes, comfortable pants, …). Avoid hiking alone.
• If you’re planning beforehand: don’t pay for a tour, you can perfectly do it without a guide!

Safe travels! Love, Joyce

Liked it? Pin it for later!

The post Salto Del Agua – Daytrip from Valparaiso on a (very tiny) budget appeared first on Simply By Joy.