When will the trail be ready?
Since it is a one-man project, I have to share the time I can spend on it with my private and professional life. I spend about 4-5 hours daily on the project. Creating a new hiking trail is not just a matter of looking a bit at the map, but also checking how the path can be fitted in historically. For each part of the trail, I first do some research in the many books and articles published about the Ardennes Offensive. I find out where certain events took place and how I then arrange the trail there. Then I do some on-site reconnaissance, such as in the region of Krinkelt-Rocherath (in Dutch). This is necessary to check whether trails are passable. Because what looks passable on the map is not always so in practice. And then you have private land, forbidden entrances and/or other physical barriers that make me choose a different path. Exploring 100 kilometres of BoB Trail takes about 8-10 days. In short: all the preparation and writing of the hiking guide takes time. I hope to finally officially open the BoB Trail in 2025.
Of what kind of paths will the Battle of the Bulge Hiking Trail consist?
I am an avid hiker and my preference is naturally for unpaved, narrow paths. However, in a historical or geographical context, this is not always possible. In East Belgium, for instance, there are few narrow paths and even in the forests a lot are paved. This is partly due to forestry. And yet the BoB Trail has to go through it. So in that case, I have no choice but to opt for paved. If for historical reasons it is important to follow an asphalt road, I will sometimes do so. However, if there is an unpaved alternative, I often choose that.
Did you think about hikers with the tent? Are there enough campings or bivouac zones on the trail?
First, I take into account the historical context when figuring out the trail. There are several campsites on or near the BoB Trail, but no bivouac zones. This is a reality that, unfortunately, I cannot change. Provided you plan well, however, it is almost always possible to sleep at a campsite or in a garden (via Welcome to my Garden or Bivouac Chez Moi). In some cases, you will have to deviate 4-5 kilometres from the BoB Trail to do so. Where there are no camping options, there are B&Bs or hotels. While exploring, I also regularly had to improvise, if you know what I mean 😉
Will there be signposting?
No. I toyed with that idea for a long time, but over a 500-kilometre stretch, you need a hefty budget for that firstly, and secondly, you also need to get the necessary permissions. As a one-man project, that would take up too much time and money. But never say never. If the BoB Trail catches on and the financial possibilities are there, then signposting could be considered. The Battle of the Bulge Trail will be hikeable with a GPX, though. That will be available as soon as the trail is fully explored and the hiking guide written. In 2025 at the earliest.
Do you need the guidebook to hike the Battle of the Bulge Hiking Trail?
In theory, no. You can hike the BoB Trail perfectly well without the guidebook. But you will miss the full context and will also not understand why the BoB Trail does not just go straightforwardly from point A to B, but rather via all kinds of detours. The hiking guide delves deeper into the events during the Ardennes Offensive. It explains the battle in detail with text, photos and maps. To the extent possible, a certain chronology is also respected in the description.
Why a trail of 500 kilometers?
Counter-question. Why not? The Battle of the Bulge Hiking Trail is a walking trail commemorating the events during the Battle. It is impossible to get a complete picture of the Battle without highlighting its different aspects. The encirclement of Bastogne is well known, but what happened in the East Cantons, at St Vith or at Baraque de Fraiture? And in the small villages scattered throughout the Ardennes? Obviously, I cannot include every village or town in the BoB Trail, because then the whole thing becomes ten times as long. For example, I made the choice not to include the downfall of the 28th Infantry Division in Luxembourg in the trail, even though it had its impact on the later encirclement of Bastogne.
Do you have to be interested in the war to hike the Battle of the Bulge Hiking Trail?
As already written, the BoB Trail is a commemorative trail. However, that does not mean that, as a complete layman, you will be bored. On the contrary. The BoB Trail belongs perfectly in the list of GRs and other long-distance trails that Belgium has to offer. You will be presented with nature, beautiful landscapes and culture. And the hiking guide will provide the necessary historical context.
Is the Battle of the Bulge Hiking Trail accessible by public transport?
Yes. Starting point Monschau can be reached by bus from Eupen or Aachen. From finishing point Bastogne, you can take the bus to Libramont and its train station. Along the way, there are several opportunities to get on or off public transport, both by train and bus.