The trail lengths of the Glen Gavel Trail loop are slightly over two kilometers each, while the paved road walks that connect them aren’t even 900 meters. So the entire loop is about six kilometers. They meander from one concession road to another through a channel of trees. Sometimes sheltered and canopied, sometimes open and exposed.
Start the loop at the North end of Glen Gavel Rd. as that is the steepest hill of the whole loop, and it’s much nicer to go downhill steeply at the beginning of a walk. You can leave your car on Gibbs Rd (also a No Exit) directly across from the Glen Gavel opening in the trees.
There’s an obvious slight detour alongside a cornfield. Once past the rough patch, the walking is pretty easy. Look for gooseberry bushes along the way. The trail is typical of the No Exit trails of Southern Ontario. Cool, quiet canopied areas interspersed with open vistas presenting crop fields as far as the eye can see. A pleasant breeze wafting across the hills, before plunging you back into the cool shadowed forest. When you come to Vimy Ridge Rd turn right (west) and walk to Benson Rd and turn right (north) again.
On Benson Rd the trail climbs up and back down a modest hill. It’s a steady, gradual grade both up and down. The trail is wide and clear enough for two to walk side-by-side for it’s entirety. There are hickory nuts and apples in season. When you get to Donaldson Rd turn right and follow it back to Glen Gavel Rd and your car.
Directions: Take Highway 28 north from Port Hope. Turn right (east) onto Donaldson Rd. Proceed to the intersection of Gibbs Rd which runs north from Donaldson Rd. Park on Gibbs Rd. The entrance to Glen Gavel is on the south side of Donaldson.
This material is from the 2oldguyswalking website which has a great article with images and a trail map. Go here to read this article.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Northumberland CountyNearby towns and cities: Cobourg | Port Hope
Glen Gavel Trail characteristics
Length: 6 km loopDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: not wheelchair accessible.
Fees: fees
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: none
Attractions: none
Contact:
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.0651270
Longitude: -78.2926770