Heading Out
Walking is easy, inexpensive and fun. More than anything, it is a natural and effective way to stay active. It requires no special equipment, membership or instruction and involves little risk of injury. Not only is it an enjoyable mode of transportation but it improves your fitness, health and mental well being.
Walking is an aerobic activity. It increases the body’s demand for oxygen and trains your heart, lungs and muscles to work more efficiently. Regular walking increases the number of calories you expend. Combined with healthy eating, walking will help you maintain a healthy weight and positive body image.
Regular brisk walking can reduce blood pressure and elevated blood fats. It reduces fatigue and increases energy. Since more than half your muscles are designed for walking, using them will make you look and feel better. Walking also helps relieve stress and tension, strengthens bones and aids in the control of osteoporosis.
Walking is a four-season activity that can be enjoyed indoors or out, alone or with others, and it’s a great way to socialize with family and friends.
What to Wear
When you go walking be sure to dress appropriately. These are a few things you should consider:
- walking or running shoes
- closely knitted, comfortable socks
- appropriate clothing depending on the weather (cotton for summer, wool or cotton for winter)
- sunscreen and sunglasses
- reflective clothing for night time walking
- layered clothing that can be easily removed along the way
- long pants and long sleeves
- tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks
- wear a kerchief and hat to protect neck and head
What to Eat
- Be sure to carry plenty of drinking water with you.
- If the weather is hot or your walk is vigorous, it will be important to replace the fluids you lose through perspiration.
- Think about how long you will be walking and bring along suitable snacks and/or a meal.
- Allow for feeling extra hungry because of the fresh air and exercise.
- Carry your supplies in a comfortable pack and remember that foods with less packaging are lighter.
Some healthy, ready-to-eat snacks include fresh fruits and vegetables, crackers, rice cakes, muffins, milk-based puddings, snack bars, and trail mix – a mixture of nuts, dried fruit, dry cereal and chocolate chips.
How to Prepare
Start your walk with five minutes of light to moderate paced walking. Once your body has warmed up stop and stretch your neck, shoulders, chest, hips, thighs and calves. To avoid injury, always stretch slowly and smoothly without bouncing or jerking.
How to Wind Down
Tour Tips
- Trailhead signs are located off White Mountain Chute Trail and Turners Road/Basin Road (formerly the Old Bonnechere Road), northwest of County Road 58 at Bonnechere, Ontario.
- All distances to start/finish points are approximate vehicle measurements from the intersection of County Road 58 (Round Lake Road) and Turners Road.
- Time allowances are based on round trips at a normal walking pace. Allow extra time for sightseeing, picnicking and resting.
- Remember, leave only footprints – look, don’t touch – so that we can preserve our natural and cultural heritage resources for generations to come.
Pick Up Your Guidebook
Walks of the Little Bonnechere River is a self-guided book featuring ten hikes along one of the Ottawa Valley’s historic waterways. Historian Roderick MacKay and ecologist Mark Stabb bring to life the cultural and natural features of each site to tell the story of the people and places that make this area unique.
Pick up your copy at the Park store.
