Time:  Hike begins at 1:30 pm and finishes around 3:30pm. Rain or Shine!

Distance: 7 km

Pace: Moderate

Terrain:  Easy

Duration:  for those leaving from Stratford: 4 hrs. (2 hrs. hiking, 1.5 hrs. travel).  To carpool from Stratford, meet 12:30 pm at EB Games, 1067 Ontario St., Stratford.

For Waterloo hikers: 2.6 hrs (2 hrs. hiking, 40 min. travel). Meet at Health Valley Trail Parking Lot, St. Jacobs.

Meeting: Health Valley Trail Parking lot, St. Jacobs, (43.539138,-80.549862).  Take King St. N through St. Jacobs, turn right at Albert St. E, (Home Hardware on the corner). Jog right at Water St. and immediately left into parking lot behind Kalora Interiors International.  Go to the far east end of the parking lot for the Health Valley trail head.

Hike Route Overview:  This is a ‘There and Back’ hike.  We’ll hike in on the Health Valley trail about 3 ½ km. After a short, water break and snack, hike back again, along a lovely trail. We’ll enjoy the Conestogo River, passing through cattle pasture, and forest glade.  At the east end of our hike, we’ll encounter a tree sculpture, affectionately named ‘King Arthur’ by the locals – a nice photo op!  Once back at the trail head in St. Jacobs, a hot refreshing drink and biscuit await the hikers.  Everyone is welcome – grand kids, seniors and everyone in between.

Recommendations:  Who knows what the weather will be like?   It should be cold, and there may be snow on the ground.  Dress in layers, bring a backpack to store clothing if too warm. Bring water and a light snack, if desired.  Good supportive boots or hiking shoes are essential.

Contact: To join the hike or for more information, please contact Hike Leader Bernard  berngowa@gmail.com