Caledon Section - Willoughby Road (16.1 km) to Chinguacousy Road (2.8 km) - Oct. 5,2023.

Caledon Section - Willoughby Road (16.1 km) to Chinguacousy Road (2.8 km) - Oct. 5, 2023.

 Hiking With Friends decided that we would master the art of walking, down to a 'T', this past week as we travelled a modified Bruce Trail route from Willoughby Road, over to (and around) the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, and then southward to the north end of Chinguacousy Road, a distance of just under 14 km...

This 4 hour and 20 minute excursion involved an unusual back track situation using Puckering Lane that has been necessitated by the closure of Dominion Road in the village of Brimstone...unfortunately, this reroute eliminates the experience of both the viewing of the actual "forks" and the challenge of the infamous Devil's Pulpit area (presently relegated to Side Trail status)...nevertheless, we still enjoyed a beautiful autumnal day and heaved ourselves up 380 meters of elevation, primarily between 2 major climbing sections...we stared up a lot of stairs...

Our group of 12 hiking friends this morning assembled at the corner of Willoughby Road and Escarpment Side Road...myself, Annette (H.C for today's outing), Ron B, Liz, Doug, Nancy, Grace, Catherine, Marleen, Peter, Laura, and our trusty Sweep, Sandra...

As in life, it's always nice when you can see the trail clearly ahead...and our pathway is a direct one early on as we stretch out our legs (and our group it appears) down the leaf strewn course...

One of my favourite hiking soundtracks is back in season...the swish, swish, swish of feet through fallen leaves...

We reach McLaren Road in good time and pause for a regroup (and some chatting apparently)...the reroute means that we will be doing a "lollipop" tour of the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, heading up Puckering Lane, performing a loop around, and then heading back down to this same spot (ergo the shape of the candy treat)...not typical of the Bruce Trail to trace back one's steps, but hey, we just follow the white blazes as we're told...

Along the way, I found an unusual method of getting myself in the blog (other than in a group selfie)...in reflection, I feel it is a technique that will be mirrored elsewhere...we then congregate in front of a stone wall to which a few of us have a lasting attachment, having been witness to a portion of its intricate construction on a hike a few years ago...

Okay...here is what I would suggest is a fairly unique Bruce Trail main trail blaze alignment...are we a "North Going Zax" who must always go north, or a "South Going Zax" who must always go south?..we pondered our fate...and went south...Dr. Seuss would agree, I'm sure...

Up we go, and soon after we enter the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park...there's a lot of things indicated not to do...enjoying nature is thankfully not one of those...

A little more climbing leads to this pretty view of the valley...not peak colours yet, but quite beautiful none the less...

It's time to descend to the river valley floor using the sketchy stairs that serve more as erosion deterrents than actual steps...

It has been a while since I've had a chance to hike with this amazing woman, Liz, and I would like to acknowledge her completion of the Bruce Trail End to End in Sydenham earlier this summer...yes, we couldn't be there when it happened to capture the moment, but congratulations on a great achievement!..HWF applauds you...

We are not quite halfway today but this traditional break spot by the Credit River is too nice to pass up to enjoy a calming respite...we pause and nourish under perfect weather conditions in a magnificent locale...lucky us!

We head out towards Brimstone and the forks of the river after which the park is named, but with Dominion Street closed for construction, the main trail has been significantly rerouted using a former side trail...and that means a long staircase up to the top of the valley...no forks today, just a knifing pain in the calves...

Hey look!..it's those unusual set of blazes again...we didn't meet any North Going Zax, or hikers, to stop us in our tracks, on our tour of the park...so it's carry on...down McLaren Road...

Blacktop switches to gravel after we cross Forks of the Credit Road...

...and that road then crosses the river...time for a bridge pic!..

Remember that escarpment that was looming in the background of that recent photo?..yup, this stairway does not lead to heaven...

Another consequence of the main trail reroute is that the infamous Devil's Pulpit is not part of our adventure today either...having been relegated to side trail status, starting at the intersection of Grange Road, it would be a major detour to go explore, so maybe next time...

Instead, it's down a short hill and connect with the relatively smooth, straight, and pleasant road allowance that passes the old quarry...a remnant of which serves as the centrepiece of a nice resting spot...

When you see your Sweep appear at the crest of the final rise at the end of Chinguacousy Road, you know the hike is over for today...it's been another fabulous day on the trail, and we are looking forward to more great experiences next week as we travel up north for the second 3 day trip to Beaver Valley and Sydenham...thanks for sharing our day and see you soon!..

The End 

Don't be a 'Zax' on the trail...