Experience Ingonish » dress in layers

3 Peaks Challenge Gaining in Popularity

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:07:21 +0000

The Cape Breton Highlands 3 Peaks Challenge has five teams registered to date with ten more spots open. Registration recently opened and is well ahead of last year’s pace. The event is expected to be sold out in its 2nd year.

The 3 Peaks Challenge event will be held on Saturday, July 16th, involves hiking 3 mountains – Franey (1400 ft), Roberts Mtn.(1400 ft) , and Acadien (1500 ft) in one day beginning at 7:00 am. Patterned a bit off our neighbour – UK 3 Peaks Challenge, it less in height and miles but still quite a physical challenge.

There are 4 members on a team with one member chosen as the captain. In 2010, all the teams were mixed – male & female. The role of the captain is to make sure the team is organized and prepared for the event. Generally teams stay in Ingonish the night before because of the 7:00 am. start and then in Cheticamp after completeing the 3 peaks.

Cape Breton Highlands 3 Peaks Challenge is hosted and organized by the Hike the Highlands Festival Society with assistance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Les Amis du Plein Air. For more information on the event and registration details, please visit the website.

Spring Hiking Tips

admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 12:55:07 +0000

Grey Jay - photo by Heather Dauphinee-Wilson

With the great weather in April and hopefully in May, spring hiking is off to a great start. Here are some tips for you to enjoy while hiking in Ingonish at Cape Smokey Provincial park and Cape Breton Highlands National Park :

1) spring hiking usually means wet trails so wear waterproof hiking boots and take gaiters with you & extra pair of socks – smart wool.
2) invest in a pair of hiking poles ( trekking or nordic). They are invaluable for balance – crossing difficult areas – water, streams, windfalls etc, for safety and making hiking easier on your knees and body. (see video )
3) never hike alone
4) wear layers and take extra clothes…spring hiking can be cold…
5) take a daypack and take extra water and food with you. you will need it.
6) Tell somebody where you are going and approximate time you will be returning..
7) Nova Scotia requires you to have a compass and matches with you when entering the woods. Recommend taking a topo map as well a cellphone with you.
Take a camera with you …never know when a great picture might be just around the corner.

In closing, hike smart…..and enjoy the great outdoors…