Richmond Blue Trail

Mon. 7 August:  Richmond Blue Trail

Part One of a two-part exploration
of the Richmond blue trails

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

Almost done!  Just the Richmond blue trails to do.

There are actually several blue trails (Rideau Trail side trails, marked by blue triangles) in the area of Richmond.   It is more complicated to work out than one might think – and especially due to some major construction work creating trail closures and diversions in the village.  This will take two separate trips.

So today we started with the easy bit.  A fairly simple road walk, with a squelchy mosquito-infested section of the main Rideau Trail in the middle, creating a nice circuit of 15.6 kilometres.

Richmond is a small town on the southwest fringe of Ottawa, with limited bus service and new housing areas for commuters.  It was founded in 1818 as a military settlement, on the old road from Perth to Ottawa.  At one time, the Rideau Trail came right through town, but has since been diverted to the north.  These blue trails are a legacy from the original route.

Personally I would vote to have the main trail rerouted through Richmond again, as it would open up some good opportunities for partnering between the RTA and the village. 

I would guess that, these days, few people deliberately set out to explore these side trails.  They should do.  There was plenty to see, as we strolled along the quiet streets of town and out into the countryside – as these pictures will show.

And at the end of our walk, how could we resist a tempting donut at the strategically positioned Tim’s?

This diversion will be explored on our next (and final) blue trail adventure

A historical village

One of four denominations sharing the burial ground
(others being Baptist, Presbyterian, and Catholic)

Leaving the village behind and heading westwards
towards a lonely Canadian Legion building.

Now northwards along Joy's Road - only traffic being this tractor

Some people park their cars in front of their homes.
This guy is into tractors

This little dog had a very noisy bark!

End of the road, approaching the main Rideau Trail

A wet section of the main Rideau Trail, heading eastwards

Almost a painting.
Beside Shea Road heading southwards.

The skies looked a bit weird but it stayed dry.

A reward at the end...

...consisting of a nicely balanced diet.