The Rideau Trail: Ferrier Road W (10B+) to Conlon Farm (10D)

Tues. 22 July:  The Rideau Trail:

Ferrier Road W. (10B+) to Conlon Farm (10D)

Wildlife Road

It was going to be a hot day, so I decided on an early start to this hike.  It would be a relatively short leg bringing me back into Perth from the Ferrier Road, where last week’s trip had ended.  With very little change in elevation, the trail was a mix of woodland and road.  The final stretch bordered the small industrial corner of the town, and into Conlon Park.  I continued from there back to the house.

Eventually they may build the section of Ferrier Road currently missing.  In the meantime, the trail has to bypass that route, as it passes through a large swamp.  Diving into the woods, the trail roughly paralleled the road right-of-way, with really no views.  But it was a pleasant stroll through the trees with a clear path to follow and no danger of getting lost.  A couple of signs along the way indicated this trail will be used for a run later this year.

Soon I came out of the woods onto the east leg of Ferrier Road, which I followed up to the junction with the Otty Lake road.   There were fine views through the trees of open fields streaked with purple wildflowers.  At the road junction I turned left then almost immediately right onto Wildlife Road.  Hoping it would live up to its name, I kept my eye out for animals, but saw none.  This section of trail was a simple foot-slog beside the road, thankfully devoid of much traffic. 

Suddenly the trail veered off into a field of high grasses, where I was just tall enough to see where I was going – but not sure of the route.  But I was on track, and soon the trail once more dived into the woods.  Here was the Perth Town Line according to the map.  To my right, thankfully hidden from view, was the town dump.  The disused road wandered through the trees, across an area of bare rock at ground level. 

Now the trail headed across a field to some white tanks heralding Perth’s industrial area, thankfully limited.  From here it was an easy stroll across Highway 10 and down a side road into Conlon Farm park.  A comfy bench was positioned perfectly for the weary Rideau Trail traveler.

My decision to start early had proven to be a good one.  It had felt cool in the woods, but now the temperatures were quickly rising and it would very soon become a hot summer’s day in Perth.  The joy of the Rideau Trail is that there is always the next section to plan (at least for some time yet!).  So now I am already plotting my next hike.

Statistics:

Total Distance:                7.3 km (hike)

Height Gain:                    Negligible

Time on Trail:                  2 hrs. 8 mins.

Start (Ferrier Rd W):       7.33 am

Ferrier Rd E:                    8.03 am

Wildlife Rd exit 10C):       8.30 am

Conlon Farm (10D):        9.19 am

Home:                              9.41 am

Temp:                             +19C to +23C

Weather:           Cloudless, hot day, cool in the woods

My uncomplaining ride disappearing down Ferrier Road W.

The trail plunges into the dark woods

Early morning sunlight shines through the trees

Colourful fungus 

The woodland path is well-signed here

Some sections of tall grasses along this stretch, with tiny frogs underfoot

Purple streak in the field beyond the woods

Country signs in plenty beside Otty Lake Road

My reliable trail pointer

Beautiful countryside

From grassy fields back into the woods

Old plough beside the trail

A taste of industry - the Ultramar bulk storage terminal

Final stretch of trail into Perth crosses Hwy.10 and into Conlon Farm park

Conlon Farm park bench perfectly located for Rideau Trail travelers