Hikes Winter 2022-2023

... group hike offerings

2022-2023 Group Hikes

After several years of planning, publishing and leading group hikes and after the pandemic, I am not publishing as many group hikes but there may be a few. Be aware that these hikes are not ones sanctioned by any organization or formal hiking club. If you attend, you do so at your own risk. If you are looking for ideas for hikes, have a look at my listings at Master Index to Hikes.

 

PRESENT LIST

Date to be announced – Pinnacle Hill Loop, Kitchener. Level 2/3. Pace: 2-3 km/h (slow-moderate). 5 - 6 km
Leaders: Jamie & Jan. Depart at 10:00 a.m. from the Walter Bean Trail parking lot at 43.389878492746114, -80.4216362317471 (Marguerite Ormston Trailway, intersection of Doon South Dr & Homer Watson Blvd). This loop walk follows parts of the Grand Valley Trail and community trails passing through the Pinnacle Hill Natural Area. There will be short segments where we will be bushwhacking (creating the trail) and also some steep, long climbs. We will do the steep climbs slowly. Trekking poles are recommended as well as sturdy hiking boots. Gators are suggested if the conditions are damp. Bring water and a snack. Check here about 7:30 a.m. the day of the hike for any possible last-minute change(s)

 

Date to be announced – Transit Hub Trail & Loop, Kitchener-Waterloo. Level 2. Pace: 2-3 km/h (slow-moderate). ~8 km
Leaders: Jamie & Jan. Depart at 10:00 a.m. from the parking lot at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo (43.464267, -80.532556). This urban walk takes us from Waterloo to Kitchener (and back), along some of the completed Transit Hub Trail, incorporates at least one "lane" and some older streets you may have never walked before, and a visit to the monument of George Davidson (of New Aberdeen fame). There is the choice of opting out part way along the loop in Kitchener at the Central Station (Google Maps) of the ION light rail to return to Waterloo on your own. Check out the King Victoria Transit Hub Video but don't expect it to be built by the time we walk near that spot. Bring water and a snack. Check here about 7:30 a.m. the day of the hike for any possible last-minute change(s).

 

PAST HIKES

2022 November 17 Thursday  – Avon Trail Linear Loop, Waterloo. Level 2. Pace: 2-3 km/h (slow-moderate). 6.0 km
Leaders: Jamie & Jan. Depart at 10:00 a.m. from the parking lot at 700 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo (Blue Beech Link Park). See Google Maps entrance (43.46975666580859, -80.5960840443925) to parking lot. The parking lot is past Laurel Heights Secondary School, beside the Abraham Erb Public School and about 60 m after (west of) the roundabout. The Avon Trail has a new 10 km route passing through parts of the City of Waterloo. This walk will be 3 km in and 3 km back (6 km) along a wooded section called Columbia Forest. This new section consists of privately and City of Waterloo owned land. Those who know the Avon Trail in Schneider Bush off Wilmot Line (near the Musselman Woods-Schneider’s Bush East Entrance 43.47100713771861, -80.61650617495143) may wish to walk beyond the intial 3 km and return on their own for a longer walk. Check here about 7:30 a.m. the day of the hike for any possible last-minute change(s).