Upcoming Hikes Fall 2018

... group hikes.

You are welcome to join any of the following hikes but you do so at your own risk.
Please consider joining and supporting an hiking organization such as the Grand Valley Trails Association, the Avon Trail, the Guelph Hiking Club, the Bruce Trail Conservancy, the Thames Valley Hiking Association, and the Elgin Hiking Trail Club. See Hike Ontario and the Ontario Trails Council for other suggestions.
Smoking is not permitted on hikes.
Dogs are not allowed on most hikes unless otherwise stated.
Hikes usually proceed "rain or shine". Exceptions would be if there is severe weather with road closures or imminent lightning storms.
Note that it states "Depart at ..." in each description. That means you must be at the designated meeting place well ahead of time.
Some hikes are loops while others are linear. Linear hikes require a car shuttle at the start of the hike and at the end of the hike. If it is a car shuttle hike, we usually meet at the end point. Come prepared to participate in the car shuttle and ensure there are at least two to three empty seats in your car. Also, you need room in the car trunk for back packs, etc.
Some of these hikes may be offered through a hiking organization in which case you must be prepared to sign a "Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk" form before the hike starts.

 

Hike Rating

To help you decide if a hike is suitable for you, I tend to use a hike rating system similar to that used by organizations such as the Bruce Trail Conservancy, Hike Ontario and the Grand Valley Trails Association. There are three aspects that describe or rate the hike.

Pace (or Speed)

Leisurely = less than 2 km/h      Slow = 2 to 3 km/h
Moderate = 3 to 4 km/h              Fast = 5 km/h or greater

Level of Difficulty (LOD)/Terrain

Easy or Level 1 – Well–defined trails, gentle inclines. Hiking boots not required, but trails may be wet. Is suitable for beginners. This level is recommended for newcomers if the distance is suitable.
Normal or Level 2 – Generally on trail. May be hilly, light bush whacking, some rough spots or obstacles. Sturdy hiking boots are necessary.
Strenuous or Level 3 – Rough terrain with one or more of the following: extensive bushwhacking, steep sections, long climbs and descents, beaver dams, rock scrambling or other obstacles. Boots, Level 2 experience, and a high level of fitness essential. Long pants and sleeves recommended.

Distance

Distance is stated in kilometres (km). [1 kilometre = 0.621371192 mile].

 

2018 FALL HIKE(S)

Thursday, November 22, 2018 – Waterloo Soup Loop. Level 2. Pace: 2-3 km/h. 13 km
Leader: Jamie. Depart at 9:30 a.m. (note different start time) from the parking lot at Tollgate Plaza, 255 Toll Gate Blvd, Waterloo (43.487003, -80.556999) near the intersection of Toll Gate & Glen Forrest Blvds. The walk will be at a slow to moderate speed (not fast) along community trails & through a couple of urban woodlots forming a big loop. One of our brief stops will be the toilets in Uptown Waterloo in Waterloo Town Square. [Anyone wishing to shorten the walk could drop out at Waterloo Town Square if you have a means of transportation home from that point.] At times, we will inspect the LRT workmanship. The plan is to have lunch at Tollgate Plaza after the walk. A commitment for soup before we start the walk would be appreciated so we can inform the soup-maker at the Tollgate Bread & Bretzel Basket Bakery. Check here for last-minute changes and a possible cancellation due to bad weather.