Off the beaten path

By Nadine Armstrong

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

The Uniacke Estate Museum in Mount Uniacke will host a ‘walk in the park’ of a different sort June 28. Rather than take the straight and narrow path, hikers that day will follow their own points of discovery during the area’s first Trail Running and Orienteering Event.

Aided by a map and compass, participants will guide themselves to control points throughout the park and discover areas rarely seen on the average hike. Although orienteering has been around for centuries, it has resurged in recent years as an “Adventure Navigation Sport” that both the novice and experienced explorer can enjoy.

Course designer Simon Trussler of Bridgewater has mapped terrain since his early days with the British Army and now enjoys applying those same principles for the Orienteering Association of Nova Scotia. Trussler said he was excited to map the historic Uniacke Park for this event.

There are currently seven walking trails at the 930-hectare park but Trussler’s map covers areas well off the beaten path.

“They will need to look at vegetation densities and contour lines to decide which is the best route to go,” he said. “The terrain there really varies and walkers will see different views of the park as they go through.” Including meadows, woodlands and marshes.

This event is designed with everyone in mind. Cross-country runners can sign up for trail orienteering event, a 10-kilometre route with a mass start. Experienced orienteers can sign up for the classic point-to-point and there is a four-km course for novice course for first timers.

The Wayfarers course is designed for individuals and families interested in a leisurely walk.

“Its a great family activity,” Trussler said. “Feel free to bring the kids and the dog and just enjoy a day out.” He warns however, the canines do not make good map-readers.

“There will be staff on hand to help with that,” he added. “I hope people will come out and give it a chance.”

The Mount Uniacke Ratepayers Association is hosting the event and hopes it takes off. “We really saw a need for more recreation in our community,” said treasurer Pauline George. She added, “this is something the whole family can enjoy. Kids really get into it, it’s a bit like going on a treasure hunt.”

George noted that the Uniacke Estate Park offers the perfect location for this kind of recreational activity. “The park is always very busy on the weekends anyway.” Even through the winter months, she said, many people take advantage of the trails to cross-county ski or snowshoe. “This event will be great for someone who maybe hasn’t been here before or for a long while.” And with more of grounds now mapped she said they hope to hold more events of this kind.

Trussler said mapping the park in Mount Uniacke will open the door for more orienteering events. Bridgewater has the only permanent orienteering course in the area and he hopes the addition of the Uniacke Park will encourage the sport locally.