When you have something rare and precious, the correct procedure is to share it! So that’s what the Limestone Ladies did on this gorgeous spring day. We shared our time, our companionship, our laughter, and our beloved Bruce Trail, with our friends and family.
Setting out from the Grange Sideroad, we were a seemingly unwieldy group of 31 hikers.
You might think that managing a group of 31 hikers would be like the worst kind of cat-herding, but happily, this group eased into the trail and flowed over the rocks like a mountain river.
The first points of interest were the beautiful horses grazing by the side of Creditview Road.
What a change from our April hikes! April was a brown month and we were growing tired of earth-tones. We are clearly into the green season now.
The gang was frisky and frolicsome from the fresh fragrant air.
Next stop was the Devil’s Pulpit. Not much of a pulpit, really. I think a better name for this place would be the Devil’s Staircase, as the steps were definitely not ordinary human stairs. This is a serious descent – grip onto that cable!
After descending the Devil’s Staircase, the trail was rough and rocky and required much clambering over large boulders (the Devil’s Footpath?)
We took the Ring Kiln Side Trail to see the ruins of a lime kiln from the 1890’s. This particular kiln is impressive for the rocky corridor, with its 12 foot high walls, which rings the oven. Abandoned in 1899, the kiln is now a moss-covered relic. Looking at the silent root and vine draped structure, it’s hard to imagine that this area was once home to seven bustling quarries. Stones used to build the Ontario Parliament buildings, the old Toronto City Hall and much of the University of Toronto all came from quarries in this area.
We worked up an appetite viewing the kiln and a rest stop was in order.
After crossing the railroad tracks (how else would you get your lime to market?) we finally reached the Credit River.

Some serious fishermen in the group were able to pinpoint just exactly where the largest fish were likely to be found. If only we had our rods!
We found a cool, green, leafy glade for our lunch. And magically, a delicious feast appeared. But… beware the booby-trapped black-bean brownies!
After lunch, we climbed up out of the valley. We were feeling lazy after all the sunshine and good food.
We came across a little creek and some folks thought the cool water was just the antidote for hot tired feet.
What a perfect day for a Bruce Trail hike! Thanks to all the friends and family who joined us and made our day so memorable. We hope you will hike with us again!
I can hardly wait to do this, especially the Devil’s Staircase. One day!!! It would be a plus to enjoy it with as many friends and family as did your gang.
Yes, it is spectacular, but would be challenging for the little legs of your hiking companions! In a few years… they will think it is pretty cool.