Stittsville “Jackson Trails” Trail System

I first noticed these trails when I was riding the urban paths in the area and saw a “lane” indicated on the Backroad Mapbooks map on my GPS. I looked closer and decided to check it out on my mountain bike and discovered a whole unmapped trail system back there.

Map note: The urban paths, indicated in blue on the map, are not included with GPX file except for the link connecting the red trails together.

The first thing I noticed was that these trails appear to be well maintained, about the width of a vehicle and apparently kept cleared by some kind of mowing equipment. Most of them are hard packed grass trails, with some gravel/dirt/rock sections, but because they are hard packed they are easier to ride on than most grass trails.

There are essentially two types of vegetation in this system which you can see on the Google Earth view in the background of the map. Where the Main Trails are are smaller trees, brush and bushes and tall grasses, while the area to the northeast where the Forest Trail is is denser bush. This trail is different also, not being packed grass but more like a very primitive cottage or fire road that appears to be abandoned, although it ends next to a cornfield.

The Forest Trail is the most interesting and natural trail as you can see from the photos. That area of dense forest is unfortunately zoned Development Reserve.

Map note: You will notice that the trail running northwest from the pond turns ninety degrees southwest, however it also continues straight but becomes very overgrown. It is what would be called a “cart track” on old topo maps, but appears more like a rarely used ATV trail. It ends at the marker just before Highway 417. That part is not on the GPX file.

The area where the Main Trails are is zoned Rural Countryside.

Map note: You will notice the “Homestead” marker on the map, which is where the remnants of an old homestead can be seen (see photos). There is another remnant of an old homestead next to the “Main Trails” label on the map at the intersection.

Map note: You will notice a “Bridge” marker along the back trail running southwest. At that point there is a creek with a very nice new wooden bridge set up to go across it but not put in place yet. The other side of the bridge appears to be a very overgrown trail which likely leads to the trail passing by the homestead where the well maintained well defined trail also appears to become a very overgrown trail that I did not follow and so is not on the GPX file.

Map note: The southwestern end of the trail that goes by the bridge ends at a farm but it is possible, but not recommended except in an emergency, to follow another overgrown trail to the inside of the farmer's gate where there is a cement barricade that it is possible to lift your bike over, but you would be clearly trespassing if you did that.

Map note: You will also notice a section of trail marked “Field”. I only included this because of it's proximity to the other trails. It is similar in being a maintained trail clearly indicated by having it's path mowed through a grassy field.

I really have no idea what these trails are for although they are well maintained but appear to be unofficial. My best guess is that they are ATV/snowmobile trails, although the few times I have been there I have only seen dog walkers on them. They do make a great unofficial off leash dog area. The old homesteads are kind of neat to see and the Forest Trail is really nice.

GPS gpx Files

The gpx file for this trail system (and other trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

GPX files - Google Docs

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

Photos of Main Trails

Photos of Old Homestead

Photos of Forest Trail

Posted 2013-10-08

South March Highlands Trails

This website was originally intended to just include maps of the Greenbelt trails within Ottawa but as I rode other trails I decided to include them as well, including the South March Highlands (SMH) trails.

Since before the creation of the City of Kanata in 1978 there have been concerns raised about the proposed development of Ottawa’s most bio-diverse natural area, the South March Highlands. We will look at these concerns at the end of this post.

(click on all maps to enlarge images)

 The South March Highlands is home to the most natural and technical mountain biking trails within the City of Ottawa that are considered to be amongst the ten best mountain biking trails in Canada. The extensive trail network includes trails on city-owned land as well as trails on private land slated for development. The Ottawa Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) maintains a sustainable trail network within the City-owned South March Highlands Conservation Forest, for which the City is now developing a management plan.

My comments, concerns and submissions about the South March Highlands Conservation Forest Management Plan can be read on my blog,The Fifth Column.

Historical Maps of the South March Highlands/Kanata Lakes Trails

 Latest OMBA Map 2013

More detailed maps of the different parts of the SMH trail system follow this post.

GPS gpx Files

The gpx file for this trail system (and other trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

GPX files - Google Docs

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

South March Highlands (SMH) Development Proposals

The Map below puts these trails within the context of the rest of the South March Highlands and the destruction planned for it.


The key things to know about the South March Highlands are:

• it is a popular all year recreation destination for people from all over Ottawa and an international mountain biking destination

• while, within the City of Ottawa, it feels like wilderness when you are in it

• it is a candidate Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI)

• it is the most biodiverse area within Ottawa

• it is the home to a huge number of species of flora and fauna, including many endangered and threatened species

• it contains old growth forests and provincially significant wetlands

• it includes Canadian Shield geology and other significant geological features

• it is the site of numerous pre-contact (pre-European) archaeological sites and may be eligible for UN World Heritage Site status

• it has been declared sacred by Algonquin First Nations chiefs and elders

• the area considered the most environmentally significant, Trillium Woods, is under great ecological threat because KNL's development plans will cut it off from the rest of the city-owned Conservation Forest

• while the privately owned land north of the city-owned Conservation Forest is zoned Environmental Protection, that has been proven not to be enough to protect the land from the threat of development
But the most important thing that you need to know about the South March Highlands is that it is one ecosystem and harm to one part of it harms all of it and if you want to protect part of it you must protect all of it.

You can read my concerns about the development of the South March Highlands on my blog, The Fifth Column.

Posted 2011-09-02
Updated 2017-10-30

South March Highlands Conservation Forest Intermediate Mountain Biking Trails

The South March Highlands is home to the most natural and technical mountain biking trails within the City of Ottawa, that are considered to be amongst the ten best mountain biking trails in Canada. The extensive trail network includes trails on city-owned land as well as trails on private land slated for development. The Ottawa Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) maintains a sustainable trail network within the City-owned South March Highlands Conservation Forest for which the City is now developing a management plan.

(click on all maps to enlarge images)
Although this trail network is a favourite amongst advanced and elite mountain bikers it does include trails that less experienced riders can enjoy. The map above shows the trails that are rode by the Group D beginner group during OMBA group rides. However, in the broader context of mountain biking trails in the Ottawa area, including the Greenbelt trails, these are better described as intermediate level trails.

This map includes some new trail names, as some trails have been renamed as OMBA prepares to publish a new map in co-operation with the City, along with providing signage within the trail system.

The "FB" trail, with it's rather infamous history that I will not go into here, is being renamed. A request was made that the trail be named to honour the woman, Sharon, who built the trail for her sled dogs and it was decided to rename the trail Dog Sled Trail.

The Rockhopper Extension has been renamed Porcupine Trail to eliminate confusion with the main Rockhopper Trail.

The trail sometimes referred to as Bear Tree and sometimes Bearclaw will be known as Bear Tree Trail.

As the Rockhopper Junior Trail is slated to be closed By the City, I have not included it's name on the map, although the trail is still indicated, as it is still open.

The most recent OMBA map is shown below.

GPS gpx Files

The gpx file for this trail system (and other trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

GPX files - Google Docs

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

Posted 2011-09-02
Updated 2011-10-04

South March Highlands Kanata Lakes Trails

These are the trails that I first tried serious mountain biking on. Indeed the first time I tried them on my old CCM I turned around and rode the gravel paths on the parking lot side of the road. But that did inspire me to invest in a proper entry level full suspension mountain bike and venture to join an MTB Kanata group ride. But after being left in the dust I turned around and rode the easy trails again, only to find out later that the other riders had been waiting for me further up the trail. After a few MTB Kanata group rides in the Greenbelt I ventured out with the group again on the KL trails and have been riding them and the trails in the SMH Conservation Forest ever since.

Please click on the maps posted below to enlarge the images

The trails referred to as the Kanata Lakes Trails are the trails in the South March Highlands that are southeast of the Conservation Forest Trails that the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association group rides are held on (between Goulbourn Forced Road and the new Terry Fox Drive Extension). These are primarily on the KNL Urbandale lands (Phase 7) that are slated for destruction. The trails mapped also include some trails in what was called the "dark side" where the landowners had posted No Trespassing signs and fenced off the land. These trails now seem to all be accessible again, at least some of the land having been purchased by the City, the rest owned by developers and slated for destruction.

I started mapping these trails in May this year and wrote about it on my blog The Fifth Column.

Most of these trails were originally nature trails and cross-country ski trails as the old City of Kanata Map below (date unknown) indicates.


GPS gpx Files

The gpx file for this trail system (and other trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

GPX files - Google Docs

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

Posted 2011-08-16
Updated 2011-10-04

South March Highlands Beaver Pond, Trillium Woods & Shadow's Ridge Trails

Updated in September 2016 to include the Shadows Ridge Trail and a new offshoot from Trillium Woods Trail and in October 2016 to include a newly discovered trail that crosses over Shadow's Ridge Trail and some other new trail sections.

The clearcut and destruction of the Beaver Pond Forest by KNL/Urbandale means that the dirt mountain biking trails such as the Lost and Found trails, behind the Goulbourn Forced Road (GFR) parking lot in the South March Highlands (SMH), will be destroyed forever. The land is already posted with No Trespassing signs and most of the access is fenced off awaiting blasting for the construction of roads and ticky tacky subdivision houses.

Fortunately the lands north of the rail line are in the protected city-owned Trillium Woods. The Trillium Woods Trail is comprised of natural dirt trails west of GFR, including a trail up to Terry Fox Drive providing access to the SMH Conservation Forest trails, also on protected city-owned land. The Trillium Woods Trail is a beginner level mountain biking trail.

The Trillium Woods Trail continues on the east side of GFR where it is primarily a gravel path that previously connected to the path from the Beaver Pond parking lot to the GFR parking lot as well as to a path along the rail line.

The section of Trillium Woods Trail from near the bridge on the gravel path southwest to GFR is also a dirt trail but is usually very muddy in sections in the spring and after heavy rainfalls, although not during the summer of 2016

Within Trillium Woods, on both sides of Goulbourn Forced Road, is a new purpose-built intermediate level mountain biking trail, Shadow's Ridge, built by the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) in co-operation with the City of Ottawa. This trail was just completed in September 2016.

The gravel path from the Beaver Pond parking lot to the GFR parking lot follows a narrow corridor. Although this is a just a gravel path it does have it's challenges due to several hills, including some very steep sections (see altitude profile below).

The connections between the Trillium Woods Trail and the Beaver Pond Trail were originally fenced off by the developer with no trespassing signs. However vigilante residents had opened up the connections, including cutting through the wire gate at one point.

Since then development of the area has come to a standstill as the developer deals with a flawed storm water management plan (that depended on two provincially significant wetlands) as well as other conditions of the subdivision agreement that they failed to meet.

The fencing has since been removed and all the trails on these maps are now continuous and open, at least for the foreseeable future. However the Lost and Found Trails are mostly destroyed and what is left is behind fences and No Trespassing signs.

 GPS Files

The gpx file for this trail system (and other trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

GPX files - Google Docs

 If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.  

Photos

I hope to add photos or slide shows to each of the specific trail sections above in the future.

 Posted 2011-05-22 
Updated 2016-10-21
 

Marlborough Forest Roads

My first experience with the Marlborough Forest was in trying to follow the Rideau Trail through the forest and map it with my GPS. I started following it with the Rideau Trail map along the forest roads till it went off onto single track and almost immediately became a messy mud hole with signs of some kind of tractor or ATV traffic. It was clearly not rideable and an unsustainable route. I then decided to just start by mapping the forest roads.


The closest access point to Kanata is along Kettles Road south of Richmond, near the rail line not far from the South end of Munster Road. There is also a small parking area at the end of O'Neil Road and a large parking lot along Roger Stevens Drive.

Over several days I followed all the interconnecting roads starting from Kettles Road. There may be other roads in the forest that do not connect to these roads. The roads are closed to motorized traffic during the summer period due to fire hazard but are open during the spring and fall and open to snowmobiles in the winter. These are rough forest roads and I would be cautious driving them, although trucks and SUVs with high clearance should have no problems.

Biking through the forest you do feel like you are in the wilderness. The only drawback is that the width of the roads partly detracts from the experience. If it was single track it would be wonderful. The real advantage is that you cannot do any harm riding them when they are wet and muddy, during those times when the MTB trails are too wet and muddy to ride. They really are fun to tool around on and there is lots of distance to cover. I learned that when I had to walk my bike back to the parking area with a broken chain.


There are a lot of side trails and cart tracks off the roads. I don't think much of it could really be described as single track but there is still a lot more in the system for me to explore and map with my GPS. So hopefully these maps will be updated in the future.

GPS gpx Files

The gpx file for this trail system (and other trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

GPX files - Google Docs

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

Posted 2009-09-10
Updated 2011-04-10

Richard's Hybrid & E-Bikeable Routes - Introduction

This section of the website differs from the rest as it does not involve comprehensive maps of pathway systems, like my trail system maps, as they already exist and will be linked to below.

Since I ride my E-Bike (previously my hybrid) on the local roads and paths, as well as my mountain bike on the trails I thought I would post some of my favourite routes for people that are looking for paved, or easy gravel or sand-dust, routes to ride. Since I ride both throughout the season I will not wait till I finish mapping all the trails to start posting these maps.

For specific hybrid & e-bikeable routes go back to the Jump Links. More routes and maps will come later but below see existing maps of the local pathway systems and cycling routes.

National Capital Region Cycling Routes and Resources

Routes and Maps, including Official Cycling Map for Ottawa-Gatineau and the Outaouais Region

Capital Pathway Network and Cycling - NCC

NOKIA Sunday Bikedays - NCC  

Cycling in the Greenbelt - NCC

Cycling in Gatineau Park - NCC

Winter Cycling Pilot Project - NCC

"Cycling" search - NCC website

Cycling (City of Ottawa)

Bike Ottawa Maps

 

Ottawa by Bike 

 

Hans on the Bike Ottawa Cycling in Ottawa (including Ottawa Cycling Maps) 

City of Ottawa Self Guided Cycling Tours of Rural Cycling Routes: CBC Article;  Maps

"Cycling" - search on City of Ottawa website

Kanata North Cycling Map

Kanata South Cycling Map 

Cycling in Ottawa (Ottawa Tourism)

Google Maps - Cycling Ottawa

Ottawa OpenStreetMap

Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (Rail Trail)

Log Driver's Waltz Bikepacking Route - Ottawa Valley and Outaouais regions:  

Canadian Cycling Magazine Article & Website

 

OttawaVeloOutaouais – Biking around Ottawa and the Outaouais

GoBiking.ca (bike routes and rides in Ontario & Quebec, with emphasis on Ottawa-Gatineau area)
 
Ontario By Bike - Ottawa

GPS gpx Files

The gpx files for my hybrid routes can be downloaded by clicking this link:

GPX files - Google Docs

If you do not have a GPS unit you can still use the gpx files by loading them onto software that has background maps such as TopoFusion, or Google Earth, and see the detailed routes over the maps or satellite image.

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

Posted 2012-04-02
Updated 2024-04-20

Bridlewood to Stittsville Paths, Ponds and Creeks Hybrid & E-Bikeable Route

Updated May 2022 to add new paths in the new subdivisions southwest of Terry Fox Drive between Terry Fox Drive & Robert Grant Avenue.

Annotated Map with Ponds and Creeks Indicated 

(Double Click to Enlarge Full Size)

  

Aerial View Map

(Double Click to Enlarge Full Size)

 

 The Route

PRELIMINARY NOTE: This reads more complicated than it is. Once you are on the route it is quite intuitive.

This is a pleasant approximately 35 kilometre bike ride on local pathways from Bridlewood in Kanata to Stittsville and back passing several ponds and creeks, with a few short sections on roadways.

The route starts along Equestrian Drive across from Pony Park, going up the hill on the pathway along the large Bridlewood hydro line. It follows the hydro line, crossing a few roads until it intersects with the smaller Bridlewood hydro line where you go left crossing a few more roads till you reach the Trans-Canada Trail (TCT).

You go left again on the TCT and cross Eagleson road and take the first path to the right. Take a left on Rothesay Drive for half a block and go right on the pathway through the park staying to the left till you reach Old Colony Road which you follow for a short bit till you turn left again at the Community Mail Boxes.

Follow the path till just before the bridge over the creek where you go left again down to Castlefrank Road. The creek will be in a ravine on the right of the path. Rejoin the path on the other side of Castlefrank Road where the creek moves to the left side of the path and continue to follow the path over a bridge where you go right and the creek moves to the right side of the path. Cross Rickey Place and the creek moves to the left side of the path.

You will then have to cross Terry Fox Drive (TFD) where the path goes to the left. You might wish to cross TFD at the corner of TFD & Winchester Drive. The creek will be on the left until it becomes a pond and then disappears into a culvert. Continue on the path until you rejoin the Trans Canada Trail (TCT).

Turn right onto the TCT and continue past the roundabout at Robert Grant Ave till you reach Iber Road. Go right along the southwest side of Iber Road about a block then turn left onto the path along the pond till you get to Cinnabar Way.

Go right on Cinnabar for about a block then go right onto a pathway following it (you will cross a few streets) till you get to a little pond, creek and bridge. Do not go over the bridge. Continue until the path becomes paved and take the pathway to the right beside the large pond.

At this point you will go in a loop and return to this point. Follow that path, staying to the left, till you get to Trailway Crescent. Go right on Trailway Crescent, After a couple of blocks you will see a paved path to the right. Continue past it and follow Trailway Crescent around a curve to the right till you get to another paved path on the right. Follow that, staying left all the way back to the pond where you started on the loop.

Go right and continue till you cross Abbot Street and rejoin the Trans-Canada Trail (TCT). Go right on the TCT, past Sacred Heart High School all the way to the park at Stittsville Main Street. Cross Main Street and continue on the TCT till you reach West Ridge Drive.

On the other side of West Ridge drive you will divert from the TCT taking the path on the left over the bridge and along the creek on the left. Follow the path as it turns rightward, becoming roadway for a short bit and then going into the bush till it reaches Hazeldean Road.

Turn around at the end of the trail and follow the pathway back to the TCT at West Ridge Drive. Continue following the TCT all the way back to Robert Grant Avenue at École Secondaire Catholique Paul-Desmarais.

Turn right and follow the pathway alongside Robert Grant Avenue to Cope Drive where you turn left and follow the pathway along Cope Road till you come to the first pond. Follow the pathway alongside the pond and cross Continental Avenue and continue following the pathway alongside the creek crossing Rouncey Road.

Go right and go around the next pond (going by the LCBO near the Walmart) following alongside Terry Fox Drive. Near the end of the pond take a short dirt path that connects to the paved pathway beside the next pond. Continue following Terry Fox Drive alongside the pond. You have to go off path for about 10 metres till you cross Westphalian and continue on the paved path back to the TCT.

Cross Terry Fox Drive, continue about a block on the TCT then go right alongside the pumping station and follow the driveway/road to Akerson Drive and turn right. Go about a block then turn right onto the pathway through the park and go own to the path along the creek and continue towards the left Continue along the creek past Cope Drive till you come to a bridge over the creek. Take the path on the left, then go right along the road and around and take the path to the right to the path along Eagleson Road, go right to Fernbank Road and cross Eagleson Road continuing in the same direction along the path to Bridgestone Drive.

Go left along the path along the south side Bridgestone Drive and then to the right along the smaller pond. Go past the pond and cross Emerald Meadows Drive. Go to the left around the larger pond doing a figure eight over the bridge and all around the pond . You will notice a large variety of water birds on the pond, including herons, egrets, ducks and geese. Take a left northeast alongside the playground area to Meadowbreeze Drive. The route essentially ends there.

To continue to the start point go left on Meadowbreeze, cross Grassy Plains Drive where the name changes to Eagleview Street. Turn right at Milner Downs Crescent and follow it around and across Bridgestone Drive where the name changes to Spur Ave. At the end of Spur Ave, turn left on Equestrian Drive and continue to the start point.

Hopefully you will have had an enjoyable ride.

 

Postscript The Math: 9 ponds, 6 creeks

Altitude Profile

Slide Show

Viewing Slide Show Full Screen Recommended

GPS gpx Files

The gpx file for this route (and other routes and trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

GPX files - Google Docs

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

Posted 2017-10-29

Updated 2022-05-18

 

Bridlewood to Britannia and Return Hybrid & E-Bikeable Route

This is the first of my hybrid & e-bikeable routes to be posted on my GPS Trail Maps website.

This is an enjoyable 38 kilometre route that is almost entirely on paths (or easy gravel/dirt trails) with only a few blocks of connecting roads in a couple of places. Much of it is through forested land in the Greenbelt.

The Maps (Double Click to Enlarge Full Size)

The Route
PRELIMINARY NOTE: This reads more complicated than it is. Once you are on the route it is quite intuitive.

The route starts in Bridlewood along Equestrian Drive (not far from the Real Canadian Superstore parking lot on Eagleson Road) where the large hydro line crosses the street.

You start by going up the hill that comes out at the the sidewalk and along a paved path that becomes gravel. It follows the large hydro line east, crossing a couple of streets, until it reaches the entrance to NCC Trail 24 to the left heading north.

This is a wide gravel and dirt forest access road, Turn left and follow it north (passing another wide access road to the right) until you intersect with the old railway right of way (now the Ottawa-Carleton Trailway and part of the Trans-Canada Trail), a wide gravel and stone dust path.

Turn right heading northeast on the Trans-Canada trail and cross the trestle over Robertson Road, then go the left and then west for a short distance before heading north on the Greenbelt Pathway. There will be a gate blocking motorized traffic and a farm field along both sides.

The gravel Greenbelt Pathway travels through wooded areas and crosses Timm Drive before going underneath the Queensway and crossing Corkstown Road. It continues until it intersects the paved Watts Creek Pathway at the bottom of a hill.

At this point you can choose to take a shorter 22 kilometre route if you wish by turning left and heading north on the Watts Creek Pathway until you come to an intersection and the path goes left, west under the rail line. If you wish to do that skip ahead to (Shorter Route Continues Here).

To continue to Britannia turn right heading east on the Watts Creek Pathway and continue to Moodie Drive.

Cross Moodie Drive and follow the path alongside a field and across Corkstown Road. The path then stays near the Queensway going east until it veers away and comes out at Holly Acres Road.

At Holly Acres Road use a dedicated cycling crossing and continue to Carling Avenue where you cross at another dedicated cycling crossing. At that point go right following the Ottawa River Pathway northeast along the Ottawa River until you reach Britannia Beach.

At this point I usually ride around the pier and along the edge of the grassy area by the river before rejoining the Watts Creel Pathway heading back southwest towards Moodie Drive.

After you cross Moodie Drive divert from the original route by going right, north on the paved path and take the first left, west on a gravel path. Follow the gravel path, staying left at intersections till you come to an open area where you can see the Watts Creek Pathway ahead and a partially open gate to the right. At this point we go off “official” paths for a short distance.

If you do not want to leave the official paths, skip the next paragraph and continue straight to the Watts Creek Pathway and turn right heading west. Continue on the paved path until you come to an intersection and the path goes left, southwest under the rail line.

To continue on the planned route go right through the gate heading west and follow the trail through grassy and wooded areas till you come to a fence, Go left along the fence a very short distance until you can access the wide gravel path, Go left on the wide gravel path until you come to the paved Watts Creek Pathway and go right heading northeast until you come to an intersection and the path goes left, southwest under the rail line.

(Shorter Route Continues Here)

At this point you go under the rail line and continue to follow the Watts Creek Pathway over a creek and rail line till it ends at the top of a hill looking down where the paved path continues under March Road. Follow the path under the road and between houses and alongside a field till you get to Teron Road, At this point we are on a short road ride, Go left, south on Teron Road and cross Campeau Drive and continue till you have to turn right going southwest. Along this stretch that parallels the Queensway you will alternate between short local roads and paths through little parks till you get to a storm-water management pond.

You can leave the planned route here if you wish and ride around the pond.

On your left (from the original approach) will be a pedestrian/cycle overpass across the Queensway. Cross over that and continue southeast along Whitney Drive to Katimavik Road.

Cross Katimavik Road and take the middle pathway that runs southeast along a parkland corridor. You will cross a street and go up a hill to an intersection in the path. Go left and then right and right again around the schoolyard and come out on Chimo Drive.

Now we are on the road again for a couple of blocks. Go right, southwest uphill on Chimo Drive then go left on Anik Way which becomes Pickford Drive, Follow Pickford Drive for about two blocks southeast till you come to the parkland corridor again and take the path southeast along the parkland corridor, You will cross several streets until you reach Pickford Drive again. Go left on Pickford Drive and then right on Irwin Gate and continue till you get to Hazeldean Road.

Cross Hazeldean Road onto Carbrooke Street and turn left into the Hazeldean Mall parking lot. Drive through the parking lot till you come out at Abbeyhill Drive. (The reason to go through the parking lot is to get a 4-Way Stop at Abbeyhill Drive.) Turn left on Abbeyhill Drive and proceed to Eagleson Road.

It is best to dismount at Eagleson and cross the road via the pedestrian crosswalk.

On the other side of Hazeldean Road is a dirt/gravel path. Take it and turn right at the intersection. Continue until you reach Shetland Park where the path becomes paved and continues southeast alongside the small Bridlewood hydro line crossing the Trans-Canada Trail (old railway right of way). You will intersect with the large Bridlewood hydro line you started on. Turn right and go southwest until you reach the beginning of the route.

Hopefully you will have had an enjoyable ride.

Altitude Profile

Slide Show       Viewing Slide Show Full Screen Recommended
GPS gpx Files

The gpx file for this route (and other routes and trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

GPX files - Google Docs

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

Posted 2017-06-01

Bridlewood, Bruce Pit & Britannia Loop Hybrid & E-Bikeable Route

This is a pleasant 40 km bike ride mostly through paved paths in green corridors as well as some forest trails and suburban streets. 

 

Route Description and Directions with Detailed Maps

PRELIMINARY NOTE: This reads more complicated than it is. Once you are on the route it is mostly intuitive.

Map 1

The first portion of this ride is primarily along forest trails.

You start along Equestrian Dr. across from Pony Park (which is across from the Real Canadian Superstore between Eagleson Rd. and Equestrian Dr.) and go up the hill onto the pathway following it past a school and along along the large hydro line and continue to the end. Then turn left onto the wide portion of Trail 24 and continue till you meet the wide trail to the right (still Trail 24) and follow it to Bells Corners. You come out a housing complex parking lot.

Map 2

This portion of the route is along suburban streets.

At the parking lot go right and follow Forester Cres. around to Seyton Dr. and go right to Old Richmond Rd. (across from the Mosque) then go left and follow the first right onto Moodie Dr. in a semi-circle. Take the first left and follow Anwatin St. to the end, then go left and follow Sycamore Dr. to the end, then go right and follow Longwood Ave. to the end. Go left on Ridgefield Cres. and take the first right, Evergreen Dr. and the first left, Delta St., then turn right on Stinson Ave. At the end of Stinson Ave. ride onto the pathway near Bell High School going right onto Bruin Ln. and left onto Bruin Rd. Continue across Cassidy Rd. and over Hwy. 416 to the path by Bruce Pit.

Map 3

This next section is primarily on paved paths through green corridors through parks or behind houses.

After crossing over Hwy 416 turn right then left past the parking lot then keep right until you come to the paved pathway on the left. Follow the pathway through a green corridor crossing McClellan Rd continuing till you get to Canfield Rd. Turn right and follow Canfield Rd. until it crosses Greenbank Rd. and becomes Craig Henry Dr. Continue until just before Shoreham Ave. where you turn left onto a paved pathway. Follow the pathway through parks and along a green corridor crossing Centrepointe Dr. Twice, until you make a 90 degree left turn.

Map 4

This section follows green corridors along Pinecrest Creek and the Ottawa River and goes alongside the equestrian park.

After the 90 degree left continue north (you will be running parallel to Algonquin College on the right). At Navaho Dr. take a short jog to the left and then right and continue north along the Pinecrest Creek Pathway crossing Baseline Rd, Iris St., going under Hwy 417, Carling Ave., and Richmond Rd. Continue to the Ottawa River Pathway and turn left onto the pathway and continue past Mud Lake and Britannia Park. Continue to Carling Ave., beside the water park, and cross Carling Ave and continue south on the Watts Creek Pathway. Cross Holly Acres Rd. on to Aero St. And immediately go left back onto the pathway and continue riding parallel to Hwy 417 until you cross Corkstown Rd. Continue around a field till you cross Moodie Dr. and continue on the Watts Creek Pathway until you see a dirt path on the left, going up hill. That is the Greenbelt Pathway West.

Map 5

This section is primarily along forest trails.

Turn left and go up the hill following the Greenbelt Pathway, cross Corkstown Rd. and go under Hwy. 417 and continue until you cross Timm Drive. Continue and cross to the right over Robertson Rd. on the old railway trestle. Continue until you come to a 4 way intersection with a wide trail on the left (Trail 24) and follow that to the end were you turn right onto the large hydro line and continue to the start point on Equestrian Dr,. across from Pony Park.

Hopefully you will have had an enjoyable ride.

Altitude Profile

Slide Show 

I plan to add a slide show to this route, probably in the Spring of 2024

GPS gpx Files

The gpx file for this route (and other routes and trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

 GPX files - Google Docs

If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.

Posted 2023-10-13