MEC Toronto Trail Run - Central Loop - 7-8 Km

by D. K.
5 years ago
Near Leaside-Bennington, CA

51 views

Departure from The Brick Works, proceeding to The Kay Gardner Beltline Trail/Beltline, through Moore Park Ravine, to Moore Ave (safely crossing), through Mount Pleasant Cemetery (grey lines) to the gate at David Balfour Ravine. Proceed to the right and follow these paths (if one goes left, that side has terrain deterioration and other issues). As you proceed along the right side paths, there is a "trick" path that will take you to St. Clair Avenue, you don't want this path; keep going on the path that leads to the wood stairs that go under the bridge etc. Keep following this path until it brings you to the asphalt road/path that leads to/from Avoca Ave (which meets St. Clair Ave). Here, you can go to its right up the short stairway and take the high path (single track trail, varied terrain) or you can proceed down the asphalt path and take the low paths (the route will be shorter and have less varied terrain than the high path). From either the high or low paths, you'll come out at David Balfour Park at Mt. Pleasant Road. Caution - cross safely! Then proceed down Park Drive Reservation Trail, past Milkman's Lane*, looping around until the trail runs alongside Bayview Avenue. From here to the fork in the paths, you have the choice to go right back to the Brick Works, or left along the Beltline again, where the Brick Works is also accessible via the Weston Quarry Family Garden ramp. This run's loop can be further extended to continue running along the Beltline to the footbridge, through the Don Valley River Park, and to the run starting point. (The run could also be started by running along the DVRP paths to the footbridge etc.)

*Milkman's Line, is a long hill, mostly gravel covered, with steep incline at the top.

This route can be done in either direction. The terrain experience through David Balfour Ravine (high path) will be different with either approach.