The GR5 through Flanders, the Dutch speaking part of Belgium, can be summed up as mixed woodland, abbeys, lakes and the Albert Canal. As noted by John Hillaby in "A Walk through Europe" the route is a very circuitous one, taking many more miles than strictly necessary to reach its destination. However walking among the pine and oak trees on good paths and tracks makes for pleasant rambles, and the many villages and towns visited provide many opportunities for coffee, cake and accommodation. Abbeys and churches add religious and historic interest (as well as brewing beer), and there are plenty of areas in which nature is encouraged.
While the route is well waymarked with red and white stripes, a map or GPS loaded with the track is advised as occasionally a waymark is missing, hidden or you pass it thinking of something else. I used the Cicerone guide, partly to help with navigation, but mainly to give me an idea of what lay ahead and which sights I should visit (the Bokrijk Openair Museum is particularly recommended). There was accommodation available throughout but booking ahead is wise as I found all reasonable priced places were taken for the Ascension Day holiday weekend for example. I found one campsite on route and stayed in two Youth Hostels.
Start of my walk through Belgium is here.
Start of my walk on the E2 is here.
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