| Valley Explore |
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|  | WalkExplore the Ottawa Valley on foot. This guide offers walking trails through hamlets, towns and... | |
 | BikeThe Ottawa Valley offers excellent biking opportunities for the beginner and the sports enthusiast.... | |
 | DriveThe following tours, designed for the independent traveller via car or bike, will escort you along... | |
 | XC SkiThe Ottawa Valley has a variety excellent cross-country trails for various skill levels. This guide... | |
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| Dacre - Mt. St. Patrick - Balaclava
| RATING: | Moderate | | TOUR TYPE: | Loop | | TOTAL DISTANCE: | 29 km | | START / FINISH: | -Dacre (Hwy 132; 25 km west of Town of Renfrew)
- Park at Dacre Hotel off to corner; or 0.5 km north on Hwy 513 at the Victory Church | | HIGHLIGHTS: | -Dacre Ski Hill
-Dacre and Area Community Centre
-St. Patrick Church and Holy Well
-Balaclava Ghost Town | | SURFACE: | -Pavement: 20 km
-Gravel: 9 km | | TIME ALLOWANCE: | -Beginner: 2.5 hr
-Intermediate: 2 hr
-Advanced: 1 to 1.5 hr |
Information
This route follows the base of Mount St. Patrick Mountains to the village of Mount St. Patrick. The St. Patrick Church dates back to 1869 and is the oldest active Roman Catholic Church in the County. The route crosses Hwy 132 and winds up and down narrow dirt roads into the ghost town of Balaclava. The old abandoned mill, store and hotel in Balaclava give you a taste of days gone by.
Directions
- From Dacre, ride south on Flat Rd for 8.2 km; you will pass Dacre Ski Hill at 4 km, and the Dacre and Area Community Centre.
- When you reach the T-intersection at 8.2 km, turn left and ride 1.5 km into the village of Mount St. Patrick; a quick detour at St. Patrick Church will take you to the Holy Well.
- Continue on Mount St. Patrick Rd for 6 km to Hwy 132; there are a few hills on this stretch of road.
- At Hwy 132, turn left for 0.5 km; turn right onto Tom’s Rd; this is a gravel road with some hills.
- When you reach the T-intersection at 21.7 km, turn left. Proceed to the stop sign in Balaclava.
- Turn left and cross the bridge in Balaclava; here, you will have an excellent view of the abandoned mill and other abandoned buildings.
- Continue on paved Scotch Bush Rd and back to the hamlet of Dacre.
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