Clyburn Valley Hike is back in 2008

One of my favorite all time hikes has always been the Clyburn Valley Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  It is a trail for all seasons as the trail is groomed for cross country skiing in the winter. One winter,  I was very lucky and saw a rare snowy owl on this trail just before the Gold Mine cabin.  This trail is a guided hike in the Hike the Highlands Festival this year on Sunday, September 21 at 10:00 am. 

There are so many nice features about this trail – you walk along the Clyburn River,  you past by one of the world’s top golf courses Highlands Links,  fish the Clyburn river for trout, you can explore the Gold Mine Buildings, see wildlife -usually moose, and birds,  plus hugh rocks that came down Franey Mountain. The trail is 9kms return and is relatively flat terrain most of the way.

Here are a few pics below I took the other day while hiking the Clyburn Valley trail.

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Hiker’s Checklist for Hike the Highlands Festival

 

Hike the Highlands Festival - Sept. 12-21, 2008

With just 3 weeks away before the Hike the Highlands Festival starts on Friday, Sept. 12, it is now time to review your checklist. Your checklist should look something like this :  

 

1) Did I register and pay yet ? Last day to register and pay online is Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008. Please read the  Frequently asked Questions on registration first on how to register. This is a two step process – decide what pass you want and then pay online and second step is select the hikes you want to do. 

Don’t feel comfortable registering on-line, just print off page 4-5 on the brochure, complete form and mail in your registration form and fee. Along a week for mail. You can also register when you get here at our festival headquarters at the Heather room, Glenghorm Beach Resort, Ingonish.

2) Did I book my accommodations yet ? September is a very busy month along the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands. You need to book soon for accommodations.

 

3) Things to bring : sunscreen, insect repellent, windproof and waterproof jacket, rainpants, camera, daysack (small knapsack), hat, sunglasses, hiking boots, hiking socks & extra pairs, and extra hiking clothes.

4) Hiking – you should be hiking now to get in shape for the festival. Start off with short hikes,1 -2 hours, then gradually longer, 3-4 hours, then a few long hikes 5-6 hours.

5) Evening Activities – Lots of evening presentations this year, evening hikes, a bonfire on a moonlight night at White Point, and the Thirsty Hikers Pub with nightly celtic entertainment. 

There are 24 guided hikes this year, six new hikes and six back from past years including the popular Cape Smokey and Clyburn Valley hikes. It plans to be an exciting 10 days of hiking, great scenery, and plenty of opportunities to meet and make new friends. Our festival team of volunteers looks forward to welcoming and meeting you soon at the 5th Annual Hike the Highlands Festival – Sept. 12-21, 2008.   

 

 

 

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