Cycling Tour: Coast to Coast

From the high cliffs at Wiarton to the flat beach at Oliphant, this route loops across the peninsula through a diversity of settings.

Heading south out of Wiarton there’s a steep climb amidst traffic, but once on Grey Rd 17, the way is level and quiet. Hepworth breaks the serenity. This small community with a busy intersection is home to Suntrail Outfitters and Whispering Pines Campground.

There are two options for going west: Spring Creek Rd and Silver Lake Rd. Both streak through farmland; the former takes you past some beautiful old barns but tends to flood in spring. Sauble Beach features an 11-km-long strand of golden sand, festivity and plenty of lunch options. Be sure to bring a bike lock so you can indulge.

The next point of interest is Sauble Falls; the wide, low cascade is visible from the road. North to Oliphant, Bruce Rd 13 has high traffic while Bay St along the lakeshore is twisty; ride with caution and mind the blind corners. Oliphant is situated in low land with wetland and a shallow beach.

A boardwalk with interpretive signs winds through a fen 2 km north of Oliphant Way. Eastwards, a probable tail wind will assist you over the rolling hills. The crossing of the Rankin River marks an historic portage site. Then, just 3.5 km before Wiarton, is the creative and colourful Rural Rootz Garden (www.ruralgardens.ca), open daily except Tuesdays.

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