The Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes: 8. Bedford Mills Anglican Church (06D-) to Lions Club Beach (07D)

Sat. 2 June: 

The Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes: 

8. Bedford Mills Anglican Church (06D-) to Lions Club Beach (07D)

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

Nineteen more kilometres today, and plenty of adventure.

A tricky beaver dam, many flooded sections of trail, a missing bridge over a stream:  these were some of the obstacles overcome today.

At the same time, a strong, united group of hikers, some beautiful viewpoints, and a friendly land owner, more than made up for these other challenges.

The home owner greeted us as we passed his house.  An intrepid member of our group asked whether we could stop in the shaded front driveway for our lunch.  “Yes of course”, was the reply.  It was a perfect place to relax on a strenuous day of hiking, and we enjoyed the company of our host.  “You’re welcome to stop here any time” was his parting comment.  And I’m sure we will.

Near the end of our long hike, Old Bob’s Lookout, high on the escarpment, made a perfect afternoon stopping point, with views down to Westport Sand Lake.  We were soon dropping down to the Lions Beach, where families were enjoying the warm sunshine.  Some of us dipped our hot feet in the cool water, before heading into Westport for a well-earned ice cream.

Setting out from Bedford Mills Anglican Church

The photogenic Mill

A rugged section to start today's hike

We took the original route (red markers)

We crossed this beaver dam safely (just)
but this section of trail is now closed (old ferry in background)

Safe crossing completed

The other end of the blue loop (now main trail)

Signs seem to be fair game for hunters
This is McAndrews Road

Turning onto the soggy road allowance

We kept our feet dry (just)

Scary sign-eater

More wet sections (and a short way south of here, a missing bridge)
south of Centreville Road

A pleasant walk along Centreville Road

High point of Concession 9 Road, looking north.
The friendly farmer was a short way south of here.

Lowest point on our hike, below Westport Mountain

Climbing the escarpment

Abandoned ATV on Westport Mountain

Old Bob's Lookout:  Westport Sand Lake

A great hiking team today

Green forest

Westport Lions Club Beach

The Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes: 7. Skycroft Access Trail (06A) to Bedford Mills Anglican Church (06D-)

Sun. 27 May: 

The Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes: 

7. Skycroft Access Trail (06A) to Bedford Mills Anglican Church (06D-)

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

We were expecting heavy thunder-showers.  Instead the eleven hikers were treated to ideal hiking weather as we moved another fourteen kilometres along the Rideau Trail towards Ottawa. 

Our first stop was at the Bonwill Shelter, built over thirty years ago by RTA volunteers and still in excellent shape.  Here we signed the only hikers logbook on the entire Rideau Trail, and celebrated our joint hike leader’s birthday.

Two exciting finds along the Cataraqui Trail (depending on your passions):  yellow lady’s slipper orchids, and a lost rail spike!  This author’s passion sways more towards the latter.

A well-matched hiking team, ably led, great conversation – it was all over too soon.

Luckily we have plenty of ground still to cover.

We accessed the trail on the Skycroft Access blue trail

Arriving at the main trail after 400m

The celebrated Bonwill Shelter

Birthday milestone for our joint hike leader

The only hikers log book on the Rideau Trail...

... and its new critter-free (we hope) container

Skycroft trails

Scenic walking

Popping out onto the Cataraqui Trail

Lost spike!

Leaving the Cataraqui Trail heading northwards

An unlisted blue side trail to the 'mountain' top

Exciting section of trail over a high point and down the other side...

... leading  to a farm track...

Then to Massassauga Road

We rescued this turtle from the middle of the road

Fast pace along Massassauga Road...

...approaching Bedford Mills

End of hike - the Anglican Church (now closed)

The Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes: 6B. Upper Rock Lake Blue Side Trail Junction (05F) to Skycroft Access Trail (06A)

Fri. 18 May: 

The Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes: 

6B. Upper Rock Lake Blue Side Trail Junction (05F) to Skycroft Access Trail (06A)

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

I almost got lost a couple of times. 

Either I wasn’t paying attention or the signage wasn’t great.  Either way, it’s a lesson for anyone travelling this (or any) section of the Rideau Trail.  Keep your eye out for unexpected turns and open areas where no signs are visible.

This lovely trail climbs to some of the more open high points along the route, as well as dropping into the small valleys, where the ground was still damp under foot.  Bright green woodland throughout, and swamps and lakes beside the trail.  Once into the Skycroft area, there are some interesting old signs, pointing to trails that may, or may not, still exist.

By the time I emerged at the Skycroft Access point, I had once more caught up with the End-to-End, roughly ten-person, juggernaut that is rolling northwards from Kingston to Ottawa.

Next episode of this tale is scheduled for May 27^th.

Access trailhead for start of hike:
Upper Rock Lake blue trail at Opinicon Road

Trees budding out

Trail follows the edge of this unnamed small lake

Gentle woodland valleys

A few obstructions along the way

Some sort of fictional animal beside Lindsay Lake?

There's a wilderness campsite near this spot

I wondered whether the Burtch Trail still exists and where it goes

A little gem along the way

Can the reader tell us what's happening here?

More old signs on Skycroft land

Here I exited the main Rideau Trail on the Skycroft Access blue trail

Exit point on Opinicon Road

Opinicon Resort's famous ice cream parlour is open for the season!