This is about a 14 kms hike through crevices, bogs, amazing forests, and all along the escarpment ridge. I began my hike in Woodford, a very small hamlet on Hwy 26, in Sydenham Township near Owen Sound. The Township was named in part for Lord Sydenham, governor of Canada from 1839 to 1841.
Sydenham Township was surveyed in 1842, with concessions running north to south, and at that time the land consisted mainly of hardwood forest. Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland began to settle this area at about this time. The first mill was built in 1846, and the first school section was organized in 1851.
The first post office, at Woodford, was established in 1852. In 1853 the residents organized an Agricultural Society. By 1861 there were over 3,000 people living in the township.
Although telephone lines were connecting nearby towns as early as 1886, it was not until 1908 that telephones began to be installed in Sydenham Township. There is definitely a warm energy surrounding Woodford, like a cozy blanket on a cool winter’s night.
The end point is so peaceful, as I hiked out of the final crevice system, I crossed hwy 26 and re-entered into an amazing crevice system. I followed the main trail to the Bognor Marsh and the big red chair. Leave yourself extra time, if you want to do this hike. The terrain is very rocky and there are many hills that need your full leg strength to get up and down. It is so worth it, though! Such life and magical rock and plants live here. Signing off “Hiking with the Viking”! To hike here: Sydenham Bruce Trail Club, Woodford, Map 30
NIAGARA ESCARPMENT HISTORY & HIKING 