Cycling Tour: Greenock Swamp

From Paisley this route runs south to the Greenock Swamp Complex – Ontario’s largest forested wetland. Here, lush mature maples form a canopy over the road, making it particularly gorgeous in fall.

Heading out of Paisley, Paisley Mill marks the first of many crossings over the Teeswater River. Beyond it lie pastureland and the treed fields of Keyzer’s Fruit Farm. In Glammis, the road dips into the woods then climbs to a flat expanse that rides fast when the wind is right.

Reaching the swamp complex at Concession 6 you’re immersed in cool shade. Thick trees with enormous branches grow in open water on either side of the road. Vast stands of white pine were once harvested from the swamp with the construction of canals and even a railway.

The terrain becomes hilly approaching Chepstow. Roads drop into communities and climb back out with a view. First at Cargill, where there’s a lovely park beside a pond and a quaint art gallery, and again at Pinkerton with its old mill and collection of century-old buildings including a church and antique shop in a former general store. Sugarhouse Studio on Concession 14 provides an excuse for a pretty side trip.

Ahead lie the Bradley School House and an artesian well where water springs from a pipe in the ground. There’s another old school house on Bruce Rd 1, then a grand climb before coasting down into Paisley.