|
THE SITE: The trail begins 1.6 km north of the village of Primrose which is located at the intersection of Highway 10 and Highway 89 on 1st Line WHS. 1st Line WHS continues on north at the stoplights when Highway 10 turns left towards Shelburne. Just past a bridge over the Boyne River, there is a small parking lot on your right. This loop hike involves walking about three-quarters of a kilometre along the busy Highway 89. This is the only negative to the hike. The main attractions more than make up for this: Murphy's Pinnacle -a grassy hill providing a great view of the surrounding countryside; and the outstanding narrow verdant valley of the Boyne River.
THE HIKE: From the back of the parking lot you can descend down the river bank to investigate the Boyne River up close. There are some paths along the shore but they don't lead any great distance. Still it's an interesting area to explore before beginning the hike.
The trail begins further north along 1st Line WHS just past the almost overgrown ruins of an old house on the east side. Across the road you will notice a "Provincial Park" sign that marks the beginning of the trail. This is the Primrose Side Trail with its blue blaze markers.
The path leads upwards through a cedar forest affording lovely views of the wooded hills and the Boyne River below. The trail then follows the ridge top along the edge of a pine forest before finally entering it. Moving ahead along a straight line path for 50 m, the trail jogs a bit to the left and then makes a right. Watch for the double blue blaze indicating a right turn. At the blue Primrose Loop trail sign, go straight ahead. The trail is well marked and easy to follow from this point on. The trail follows a straight line path for 0.5 km before making a right turn into a remarkably dark wooded area. Look for a turn to the left when the trail leaves the forest and enters a meadow.
The trail swings around a hill, crosses a pile of stones and in time reaches a grassy path that winds uphill among the cedars. The trail continues to climb crossing a series of small ridges. When the trail branches, take the branch that veers to the left and heads downhill crossing a small gulley. Here old apple trees can be seen among the cedars and small pines. The area suggests pioneer farming country that has been abandoned and is regenerating to the original forest. Still climbing, the trail comes to a cart/snowmobile track and a leaning sign. Sometimes this sign leans the wrong way. We piled stones around it in April 2003 and fixed the sign to point you to the right.
 Turn right onto the track and continue southward through a stand of mature pines. There are a large number of blackberry bushes in the area. Look for an interesting man-made structure in a tree on your right. Just before the trail emerges into a grassy meadow, look to your left for evidence of an old farmhouse that likely stood here at one time. The grounds are overgrown with very fragrant old-fashioned roses. Continuing along you will see a clump of old willows on your left.
The path branches here with the snowmobile trail going off downhill to the left and crossing a sturdy wooden bridge that leads to 1st Line WHS. Avoid taking this snowmobile trail as it will place you on 1st line WHS far north of the connecting path on the east side of the road. Instead turn right at the branch and head downhill through the meadow and towards the tree line. Look for a blue blaze and continue along the trail as it passes through an area fringed with ferns. Shortly you will see 1st Line WHS running along the bottom of the ridge to your left. As you continue through this area of mixed bush, watch carefully for the double blue blaze which signals a turn to the left across a small wet area. A sign here also indicates that 1st Line WHS is to the left.The trail enters a wooded area high above the road and begins to steeply descend down to the road. Watch carefully for the markers for this descent as it is easy to turn right along the cliff edge and miss the downward trail as I have done more than once :(.
Look across the road to your right and you will see an "arrow" road sign with a double blue blaze marked on the post. The trail leads around a small pile of gravel and begins a long but slow uphill climb trough a mature maple forest. At the top look for a double blaze on a tree to your left and follow the path downhill. At the bottom is a large bed  of ostrich fern. The path now meanders and climbs a hill to a stile over a non-existent fence. Walking around the stile you will see Murphy's Pinnacle straight ahead. It is the highest hill in the area. Follow the path to the top of Murphy's Pinnacle. The climb is strenuous and very steep near the top so watch your balance and lean forward as you climb. The hill top offers panoramic views of the countryside. Rolling hills, farms, and forests can be seen to the east and south while the view west takes you across the fields to a view of the town of Shelburne in the distance. If the wind is not too high, this is a great place to rest and to have lunch.
Leaving the hill top, the trail descends more gradually following the top of the ridge through the wildflowers until it heads easterly. Blue blazes on stones mark the trail as it heads towards a fence. Turn right and follow the fence line down the hill and into an overgrown meadow. At the bottom of the field, cross a stile and you will emerge onto a farm lane which is actually Hurontario Street - originally an old pioneer highway. Note that the side roads in the area are named EHS or WHS because they are east or west of Hurontario Street.
Cross Hurontario Street making a little jog to the left and continue straight ahead looking for the double blaze turn marker. A “Provincial Park” sign indicates that you are now leaving public land and entering private land (and that you are on the right trail). Be sure to keep to the trail in this area as you move through the farm area with planted areas and hayfields. The path eventually turns right and follows a farm track through a regenerating meadow. You will pass old farm buildings as the trail follows the edge of some fields.
T he path then enters a wooded area rich with ostrich ferns, wildflowers, and wild rhubarb. As you descend into a ravine look for a double blue blaze and turn left to descend some wooden steps into a marshy area with a boardwalk. Just past the boardwalk, the path enters another wooded area with huge old maples and a stream running to your right. You are now entering a lovely deep ravine dappled in sunlight and covered in ferns and wildflowers. The main Bruce trail separates from the side trail here climbing steeply uphill to the left. Instead follow the trail along the valley bottom where it eventually emerges onto 1st Line EHS.
Turn right onto the road and over several bridges over the Boyne River following the road around an "S" curve for about 1 km. Just before you are faced with climbing a long hill watch for the double blaze and Bruce trail signs on the right. This leads to a dark tunnel-like archway of dense cedars. When you reach the light at the end of this tunnel, you will enter into an open area. The trail now winds through the woods and up some fairly steep hills. At the top, you can rest and enjoy the view and reward yourself with a small snack or even lunch. From her you can see Murphy's Pinnacle to the north. Below lays the Boyne River Valley hidden from view by the forest.
Follow the blue trail blazes across the rolling meadowland and climb a long gradual slope. At the top, you will see a gap in the rail fence to your right. Turn left onto the Hurontario Street road allowance and follow this road for about 1 km until it meets busy Highway 89.
Turn right and follow the snowmobile trails running parallel to the road into the woods as long as possible as this walk is more enjoyable than a walk along the highway. Unfortunately these trails veer off into the fields away from the road which is private land. Head back to Highway 89 and keep as far to the side of the road as possible for safety's sake. [On Hwy 89, about 1/2 way between Hurontario and the Super Burger, there is an opening in the trees to the north where you can see Murphy's Pinnacle and really get an idea of how far you've gone -John McFadden].
FormsButton1: SendWhen you reach Primrose at the stoplights, turn right onto 1st Line WHS walking back to your parking spot. As you approach the downhill slope to the bridge, look for the interesting shoe trees on your left.
For refreshments after the hike head south on Highway 10. At the Primrose corner you might want to check out Super Burger and its beautifully restored interior of an old Toronto TTC streetcar. You can dine in this car if you wish.
As you approach Orangeville, look for Fifth Avenue on your right. At that corner you will see a Kelsey's restaurant. (If you come to Broadway St, you've gone too far.)If you have alternate after hike pub/restaurant suggestions in the area, please post in the forum. Thanks.
Enjoy the hike and the day.
|
