Grey-Bruce Adventours: Durham Conservation Area


Berries Add Colour to Winter Landscape

In December I moved from Owen Sound to Durham. This provides me with wonderful opportunities to explore a new community. Durham is small, friendly and interesting. The Saugeen River is a prominent feature all through the town. I am enjoying walking along the river, and with recent winter storms, I expect to be snowshoeing or skiing the trails. These are easily accessible from my new home.

Cedar Bush Trails

Durham Conservation Area, managed by Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, runs mostly along the north shore of the Saugeen for nearly 3 km. Trails meander through cedar lowlands, river flats and the campground. McGowan Falls, the 2 dams, the railway walking bridge, and the old gunpit are highlights. In summer, the beach area is popular. In winter, the long open slope above the beach is great for tobogganing. Playing in the falls is best enjoyed in summer. Just now, it is a wonder of natural ice sculptures.

Ice Pancakes Swirl below Lower Dam

The historic Durham Road, a main early settlers' route into our area, forms part of the northern boundary of Durham Conservation Area. The Gunpit Trail is named for a musket firing range that was active here until 1913.The Grey Militia practiced rifle drills in this area, firing into targets on the steep hillside. McGowan Falls is named for the grist and flour mill built onsite in 1888. Here the Saugeen River cuts through the limestone bedrock, creating pools, channels and a small cave. Full of history and beauty, there is plenty at Durham Conservation Area toexplore.