It might seem eccentric and even reckless, but barefoot walking has taken off in Belgium.
Some argue that it provides health benefits, but others simply see it as a new way to experience nature.
One of the best places to try it out is in Limburg province, where the first blotevoetenpad was created at De Lietenberg nature reserve.
The 2km barefoot trail lets you experience a range of surfaces, from wooden walkways to sand and even mud. The route includes a steep hill, a stretch of water and a wooden lookout tower.
It's a great place to take your kids and let them stomp around in the mud with their shoes off.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
