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THE SITE: From the point where we last left the main Bruce trail and headed back towards the Scottsdale farm on the Bennett Heritage hike, the main Trail descends the steep escarpment and crosses Owl Creek in the valley, then climbs the escarpment and emerges at 9th line. Here our hike begins with side of the road parking available.
THE HIKE:The hike begins at the Roberts Side trail which leaves the main Bruce trail at 9th line (Fallbrook Trail) after about 5 metres. Following the blue blazes, the trail goes though woods, passes a stream and duck pond, and slowly climbs the escarpment over broken rocks and passes several lookouts. An old limekiln can be seen on the left. Heading north through mature woods, the trail meets the steep wall of the Silver creek valley, then follows the top of the slope for about one kilometre. This loop rejoins the main trail at the edge of the Silver Creek valley. This side trail is named after Mr. and Mrs. George Roberts who lived in the area and maintained this section of the trail for many years. Together with the main trail it makes a 2.8 km loop.
Back on the main Bruce trail, we head north for another kilometre before descending to 10th line via a series of steep rock steps. A well maintained picturesque fenced-in estate is before us. The trail continues a short distance along the road and re-enters the woods. We come to a scenic lake and this is a good place for a relaxing lunch..
Returning to 10th line, the blue blazes of the Walking Fern Side trail heads to the left along the edge of the Silver Creek valley bottom along a very rocky path. This trail is one of the few places in the Toronto area where the walking fern (the Bruce Trail club’s emblem) can be seen. Beyond an old fence, a beaver pond was visible at the dead end of this trail but it is difficult to locate now.. We return along the trail to 10th line making a 2 km loop.
Picking up the main Bruce trail again at the road, we cross a meadow and climb back up the rock steps and head south along the top of the slope for a few kilometres. Here the escarpment splits and we can descend into a rock fissure and pass through a rock tunnel before climbing out of the pit bottom and arriving at the Irwin Quarry Side Trail.
This side trail heads south to reach an old quarry access road, then drops below the escarpment and crosses a wet area via a bridge. It ascends to an old road and returns to the main trail, climbing up steps along the escarpment edge. The trail is not well marked and with the main Trail forms a 1.4 km loop.
Exiting from the Irwin Quarry Side trail, we find ourselves back at the hike starting point.
Enjoy the hike and the day.
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