Hiking Speed & Terrain Rating Info

Guests are welcome on our guided hikes. Choose a hike suited to your interests and physical abilities. Be honest with yourself in judging your abilities, remembering that we tire more quickly when walking on snow/rough terrain. Consult the hike description for the hike speed, length, and difficulty of terrain (if in doubt, contact the hike leader) which are explained in the charts below. 

Speed of Hike

 Slow 2 to 3 km/hr
 Moderate 3 to 4 km/hr
 Brisk/Fast 5+ km/hr

Terrain of Hike

Level 1  Well defined trails, gentle inclines. Hiking boots not required. Beginner-friendly; recommended for newcomers to club activities.
Level 2Generally on trail. May be hilly, with light bushwhacking, some rough spots or obstacles. Boots recommended.
Level 3Rough terrain (one or more of extensive bushwhacking, steep sections, long climbs and descents, beaver dams or other obstacles, rock scrambling). Boots, experience and a high level of fitness essential.

Calendar of Hikes by Difficulty

Upcoming events by Difficulty

  • Register
    Meet for a carpool departure at 9:00 am at the Covered Bridge in Guelph

    or 9:30 am at trailhead at 6th Line Nassagaweya and Pineredge Dr. , near the scout camp. Parking is across from 5120 Pineridge, Milton (past mailboxes)

    RLT Section 6 is an out and back.  The trailhead is across 6th Line opposite the Pineridge intersection.  We’ll follow the orange blazes through scrubby meadows and woodlands. The trail rises steeply to “Kong Hill” lookout.  It was not named after King Kong ,  but rather a former landowner. The trail descends into a coniferous plantation, then off the logging trail and through hardwoods with uneven rocky footing.  It emerges onto the abandoned rail bed, turns right and winds through rocky terrain, eventually ending at Dublin Line, which is the turn around spot (and time for a break and snack).

    Level 2 Hike (uneven terrain & some hills), Moderate Pace
    Distance:  9k,  approximately 2 hours
     
    Please pack water, snacks, wear hiking boots/shoes, hiking poles recommended, bring insect repellent and/or bug jacket, layered clothing for the weather and no dogs please.


      Hike Leaders:  Marie Burland   burlandmc@gmail.com
                                 Vanessa Hyland   kathleenvhyland@gmail.com
     

    Please contact Vanessa if you want to carpool and Marie if you are going to meet at the trailhead.

    For those looking for a challenge, we can add a hike on Section 5 of the RLT, approximately 10k and 2 hours (Fast pace).  This section runs between 6th Line and 4th Line, includes an impressive boardwalk, snakes through a swampy area and travels through a cedar forest, skirting both the Blue Heron Scout Reserve and Blue Springs Scout Camp.



    • 16 May 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Register

    Thursday Morning  Arkell Springs Hike 

    Meeting Location: Meeting point at the trail head on Watson Rd. Parking along Watson Rd North of Arkell Rd, South of Stone Rd (Gate C) 

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/VPZKAjjcvPtD2RFx5?g_st=ic

    Hiking time approx 2-2.5hrs 

    9-10km Loop 

    Let’s get out before the bugs make their appearance! We will hike starting from Watson Rd into Arkell Springs and follow Section 2 and 3 of the Radial Line Trail, the Arkell Springs and David Hull side trails. These trails will take us through forests, along ridges, meadows, and down into the valley. 

    Pace - Moderate-Brisk 

    Difficulty- Level 2+

    approximately 2-2.5 hours

    Trail - uneven dirt packed with areas of rocks, roots, and possibly mud. The Arkell Springs side trail is an up and down section and there are a few steep inclines. 

    Required - hiking shoes, dress for the weather 

    Recommended - water, snack, hat, bug spray, sunscreen

    Optional - poles

    A good level of fitness and cardio endurance is required to complete this hike in the allotted time. 

    Hike Leader 

    Melissa Anstey

    melissaanstey@icloud.com

    • 18 May 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Register


    Musselman Woods / Schneider’s Bush Trail

    “There and Back Again”

    When: 18 May 2024, 10am to 1pm

    Where: past 1296 Karmel Koch Rd, Wilmot Twp

    Meeting Location:  Meet at 10am  at the trail entrance, about 20m past a gray house at #1296.

                  There is limited parking, so carpool if you can.

                  Our walk will be about 9km.

    Please note that, in addition to regular trail use rules, no dogs are allowed.

    I recommend sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles.

    The terrain is moderate with some steep parts. Our speed will be moderate with opportunities to stop to admire wildflowers (I hope) and scenic views.

    The trail winds through forest, pine plantations, and fields.  We will walk to the end at Wilmot Line, and then return by a somewhat different route.

    Just a reminder that this is private land, the use of which is donated by generous landowners. 

    You may bring a lunch if you wish (do bring water). OR you may wish to make a day of it at the box stores at The Boardwalk on Ira Needles Blvd where there are a number of fine restaurants. OR you may wish to join me for lunch at Almadina’s which serves Egyptian and middle eastern food.

    If you have questions or need directions or would like to join me for lunch at Almadina’s, you can reach me at 519-505-0008 or sheilaandharrye7@gmail.com.

    Happy Hiking, 

    Harry Edgar

    • 19 May 2024
    • 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ignatius Jesuit Centre
    • 0
    Registration is closed
     All welcome, limit of 10

    Join Cedar Circles (Cedar Circles is a monthly gathering at Loyola House. Sunday afternoons are opportunities to explore the connections between nature, individuals, and community) on this walk along Marden Creek on the beautiful Ignatius property. We will have discussions on this interpretive walk to learn about beavers and how they are nature's ecological restoration experts! We’ll visit beaver sites along the trail and learn about how this keystone species supports biodiversity and water conservation.  There will be a surprise along the way!!  By the end, you’ll have an understanding of beaver biology, behaviours, and ecosystem services!

    Meet at 2:30 pm at the Loyola House parking lot at Ignatius.

     1.5 hrs. Level 2. Speed slow. Approx. 1 km

    Leader: Julianna Van Adrichem, julianna@promosaurus.ca. 519-230-9591.



    • 2 Jun 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ignatius Jesuit Centre
    • 9
    Register
    All welcome, limit of 15.

     Join Julianna Van Adrichem, Conservation Communicator and Yoga Therapist, Jessica Sgrignoli of Journey to Wholeness for a slow paced, mindfulness walk integrating simple yoga movements - to ground, connect and restore. 

    Mindfulness walks are a unique way to discover fresh perspectives through a series of sensory-oriented invitations that nourish a deep connection with and appreciation for the natural world, all while calming the mind and body.   

    Meet at 2:00 pm at the parking lot, end of the dirt road, last right (east side #6 Hwy) heading north from Guelph before the bridge over Marden Creek. Try to carpool so that parking is less difficult!

     2 hrs. Level 2. Speed moderate/slow. Approx 5 km

    Leader: Julianna Van Adrichem, julianna@promosaurus.ca. 519-230-9591.

     


    • 28 Jul 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • 28
    Register

    Hike start time: 9 AM; Meet at Covered Bridge Parking Lot near 114 Gordon Street, Guelph; Board coach bus headed for Toronto

    Hike end time: Hike takes place 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM ending at the Rogers Centre; Bus will have us home by 7 PM in Guelph following conclusion of the Toronto Blue Jays game.

    Members only: Member exclusive sign-up until May 15th; Open to public after.

    Limit number of hikers: 32 is maximum hikers allowed; Only 32 spots on the bus for hikers.

    Hike description GHTC is excited to invite you to our first-ever Blue Jays Bus Hike!  This is a GHTC fundraising event that we hope becomes an annual tradition for our club!

    Join us for a unique experience that combines hiking with seeing the Toronto Blue Jays take on the defending World Series champion, Texas Rangers, at the newly renovated Rogers Centre!  Hikers will have two different hike-types from which to choose.  Hike # 1 drop-off location will be at the Humber Bay Bridge in Etobicoke.  Hike # 1 is ~7.5 km in length; moving at 4 km/hour pace along Toronto’s boardwalk adjacent to the waterfront.  Hike # 2 drop-off location is the Exhibition Place Wind Turbine.  Hike # 2 is ~3.4 km in length; moving at 2 km/hour pace along Toronto’s boardwalk adjacent to the waterfront.  Both hikes offer beautiful views of Lake Ontario and Toronto’s skyline as we approach the Rogers Centre by foot.  Once at the Rogers Centre, hikers will be able to offload any gear inside of our bus and then proceed into the Rogers Centre to take in the Blue Jays game!

    Cost for GHTC Members:  $185 + HST/Person ($209.05 Total/Person)

    Cost for Non-Members: $225 + HST/Person ($254.25 Total/Person)

    The deadline to sign up is Friday, June 28th at 12 PM

     Your registration fee includes:

    ·         Roundtrip coach bus transportation from Guelph to the Rogers Centre

    ·         One premium Blue Jay ticket to the game (Section 214 along first-base line)

     This event will be offered exclusively to GHTC members and up to one guest until May 15th.  After that, we will open this event up to the public.

     Payments can be made by Interac E-transfer, cash, or cheque.  As this is a fundraising event, we will not accept credit card nor PayPal. Your spot is not confirmed until payment has been made in full and receipt has been issued. 

     Upon registration, GHTC will contact you to arrange for billing and payment.  By registering for this event online, you agree to pay the above amounts in full upon receipt. There are NO REFUNDS for this event.  This event will be taking place, rain or shine.

     Spaces are limited so be sure to reserve your spot today!    

     What to bring:  bagged lunch (if you wish), water, bug repellent, sunscreen, weather-appropriate attire, hat, sunglasses, athletic or hiking shoes; backpack

    Hike Rating

    Hike Option 1:  2 hrs; Level 3; Experienced hikers only; 4-5 km/hr pacing.

    Hike Option 2:  2 hrs; Level 1; Leisurely hike; 2 km/hr pacing.

    Leader contact info: Colin McCusker, colin_mccusker@yahoo.com; 647-527-6271

    Email hike information and hike cancellation requests to colin_mccusker@yahoo.com; 647-527-6271



     


Easy Hike       Moderately Difficult      Difficult

                

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Guelph Hiking Trail Club is a charitable organization Registration#11894 9395

PO Box 1, Guelph, ON, N1H 6J6 


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