Friday 20th March 2026 – an admin day in Herbeumont….

Frosty again last night and very cold in the van as the heating on electric is not very powerful, though I will up the setting to 1800w tonight to see if that makes a difference. However the clear skies of the cold night soon gave way to another gloriously sunny day, which confirmed our plans to stay here another night and get a few bits and bobs done around the van ie laundry etc.

We took a couple of walks out from the Aire checking out the nearby Viaduct by following a trail over the top of it looking to the west and the east…

And then by finding the correct pathway to give us views of the Viaduct itself…

The Viaduct is now part of the hiking and cycling network, having been disused by the railway network for many years….

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 0
  • Miles walked – 5
  • O/N – £13.24

Saturday 14th March 2026 – Belgium Day 1 – De Panne to Middelkerke….

A cold wind blowing all the while, cloudy in the morning but a nice bit of sunshine for most of the afternoon as we explore part of Belgium’s small coastline. We travel a short distance along the coast to the far end of De Panne to capture the sculpture and beach of Strand Canadezenplien….

Before moving a little further east to Plage Sint Idesbald and Koksijde Beach….

At the far end of Strand Westende we found an amazing park up for the night right beside the beach (though we did shuffle down a bit forfeiting an amazing view for the shelter of the dunes)….

After a quick cup of tea we ventured out for a lovely walk along the beach, enjoying the sculptures on Strand Westende….

Before heading eastwards along Hondon Strand to Middelkerke and it’s rather impressive looking Casino at the far end….

A walkway around the Casino affording great views along the fine beach of Middelkerke and off into the distance Ostend…

After having our tea we popped out to catch the setting sun before calling it a day….

Thoughts of the day:

  • These sculptures, though random do make a great focal point along this otherwise featureless long stretch of sand – well done Belgium – though a little tag telling you about them wouldn’t go amiss!
  • Unlike France, so far most of the ample parking, though cheap, is paid, but that might be because we are hugging the coast.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 21
  • Miles walked – 8
  • Beaches – 6
  • Car parking – £2
  • O/N – £5