The Blue Trail - 5.4km
The Blue Trail is the longest in the Arboretum and quite the most varied in the soils, tree groups and habitats it traverses. You need to allow a couple of hours to give it justice and be prepared to take longer because you will be waylaid by a lot of fascinating wildlife and plants as you go.
Please note that this trail has a NO DOGS restriction throughout its length
In winter the trail becomes a highway for cross-country skiers while in summer it is relatively quiet and even though the rest of the Arboretum may be crowded this part is rarely busy at all.
Important:
The trail is designed as a ski trail through a zone with many humid habitats. It is not maintained as a 4-season all-weather trail and so is not maintained in an all weather condition. You should expect wet areas and mud and know that some parts, particularly the recent pipe-line construction, are on heavy clay which can be very difficult to walk in when it is wet. You must stay on the trail in order to avoid lateral expansion of trails through wet areas
Take a virtual walk with us ... a map showing the route of the trail is downloadable here
The trail starts to the west of the Conservation Centre and just a few yards south of the Main Trail - look for a blue sign just inside the tree line. the path is easy to follow with clear signs at all the major twists and turns - the following pictures will help you get around and show you what to expect.
START HERE ...
Shortly after crossing the yellow trail this blue one also crosses the snowshoe trail and then turns to the left (south) ...
Never forget to keep looking up and watching the birds - as this is a quieter corner of the forest than some parts visitors go to there are many interesting and unusual birds - here we were watching a Brown Creeper ... there are quite a few of them on the forest but if you don't look you'd never know it.
The trail takes you right to the southern end of the forest where the open fields are - look overhead as you reach this section as it is not uncommon to be overflown by one of several species of Hawks ... in winter you may see deer or fox tracks in the snow
One stretch is becoming overgrown with tree saplings ...
At the southern boundary you will turn right and follow alongside the open fields for a while ...
The people who live here will be watching you carefully ...
The branch of the trail that goesto the left at this point used to be closed in winter because the gully it approaches was deemed to be too dangerous for skiing, however since the re-laying of the gas pipeline the problems have been remedied so you can safely ignore this sign and turn left - but you will have to cross that fallen tree-trunk ... wimpier skiers can still take the detour
The pipeline leaves the Arboretum here ... the views inside are much nicer
The relaying of the pipeline has cut a wide "ride" along the western edge of the Arboretum - this will be replanted with shrubs and will in time create a wonderful open edge-habitat for all sorts of mammals and birds and butterflies ...
The gully ... turn right after crossing it (it will look more beautiful in years to come but right now the heave machinery has only recently departed) ...
Look up ...
This open ride follows the western boundary for some distance, taking a bend to the left about half way along ...
As you approach a field to the left with greenhouses in it you should start looking on the right for the trail where it re-enters the trees ...
Re-enter the trees here ... there are clear signs even if this image does not show them so well ...
Beware boggy parts - wear stout boots ...
... very stout boots in some seasons ...
There is considerable variety of trees in this northern section of the blue trail ...
Skiers will know this slope quite well ...
Part of the famous pan-Canadian Birch collection - the origin of many of these trees is markd on lables. Very interesting.
You are being watched again ...
Eventually the blue trail joins a well-marked path to the west of Pullins Pasture - turn right and look out for a break in the trees to the left in about 100 metres ...
Cross the open field by the mown path ...
Crab-apples and a seat to rest on ...
Rejoin the Main (orange) trial for a spell ...
At the small wooden bridge cross the small stream to the right and enter the tunnel under the trees ...
After emerging from the dark tunnel through the trees cross the main trail and go into the forest to the left just before reaching Blossom Corner ...
Pass through the sugar-bush ...
Eventually you will come out up a slope leading to the northern car park ...
.... where you can take a rest and enjoy the views over Dales Field at the end of the Blue Trail
