My brother got interested in walking 2 consecutieve days on the Belgian coast. It was going to be the GR5a in September. Early on Sunday we went to Nieuwpoort and immediately after arriving we set off in northerly direction The sky was clear and the 16 degrees Celsius ambient temperature ideal to hike. The paths were dry and did not compromise his low airy open shoes. 
It is flat countryside here and many canals and small rivers drain to the sea. First we went a bit inland and to the south of Middelkerke we walked from here on the boulevard all the way to Oostende. Talks, an agricultural show and people watching in Oostende kept us busy and in no time we were at our destination. After a trasty beer 
we took the beloved coastal tram back to our ladies. After a good sleep at the “Waaigat” B&B we planned to go down to “De Panne”. We thought having remembered the starting point from the previous day and took off east along the river IJzer. The grass was wet due to the abundant rain. In fact drizzle alternated with fierce rain during the entire trip. I noticed after many kms that the distance to our destination increased instead of getting closer to it. We eventually ended up in Diksmuide. It appeared we had taken the wrong GR. Later I learned that there is a GR IJzer from Nieuwpoort to the origin of the river. Anyway, although many roads are paved there was virtually no traffic and walking along the river with its many monuments reminding us of the horrible WW I battle here was pleasant in spite of the rain. Loek’s feet became wet and sore. Howeever, spirits remained high and the whole trip was enjoyable.
It is flat countryside here and many canals and small rivers drain to the sea. First we went a bit inland and to the south of Middelkerke we walked from here on the boulevard all the way to Oostende. Talks, an agricultural show and people watching in Oostende kept us busy and in no time we were at our destination. After a trasty beer 
we took the beloved coastal tram back to our ladies. After a good sleep at the “Waaigat” B&B we planned to go down to “De Panne”. We thought having remembered the starting point from the previous day and took off east along the river IJzer. The grass was wet due to the abundant rain. In fact drizzle alternated with fierce rain during the entire trip. I noticed after many kms that the distance to our destination increased instead of getting closer to it. We eventually ended up in Diksmuide. It appeared we had taken the wrong GR. Later I learned that there is a GR IJzer from Nieuwpoort to the origin of the river. Anyway, although many roads are paved there was virtually no traffic and walking along the river with its many monuments reminding us of the horrible WW I battle here was pleasant in spite of the rain. Loek’s feet became wet and sore. Howeever, spirits remained high and the whole trip was enjoyable. Distance GR5a: 20 km. Personal rating: * (monotoneous)
GR IJzer: 24 km. I rate this stretch: ***
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