Upcoming Hikes 2020
You are welcome to join any of the following hikes but you do so at your own risk.
Please consider joining and supporting hiking organizations 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. No attempt is made to provide a total time for a 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
Currently my hikes tend to be at a slow to moderate speed.
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].
2020 Spring Hikes
CANCELLED - Hopefully it will be rescheduled.
Thursday,
April 9, 2020 - Linear Trail, Cambridge. Level 1-2. Pace: 2-3 km/h
(slow to moderate). ~ 6.4 km
Leader:
Jamie. Depart at 10:00 a.m. from the small parking lot at the
intersection of
Chopin Dr and Hamilton St.
[
Google Street View &
43.397399, -80.366338 ] in Cambridge (Preston). Parking
is also allowed on one side of Hamilton Street. Although the
City of Cambridge calls this the Linear Trail I think of it
as the "Hackberry Highway" and the "Bett Benchway". We will walk 3.2 km
to Preston Memorial Arena (end of trail) and walk
back (3.2 km) almost the same route. Participants are
welcome to return to the start at their
own pace. NOTE: The pace for the first
3.2 km will be on the slower side as there are river
views, signs to read, benches to "sit-upon" and so on. Don't
forget water, sunscreen, bug repellent, a snack and camera.
Most of the trail is wide and stone dust. Quailty hiking
boots are recommended since some parts of the trail I use
are close to the river and may be wet and/or muddy.
For more details you are encouraged to read my web page that is
dedicated to the Linear Trail.
Check here for any last-minute changes,
including early on the morning of the hike.