While Emma was visiting I planned on walking at the Waterloo Cycling Club trails, but as the bus systems is appalling in the region it would have taken nearly an hour to reach the trailhead, as the route takes us into the city and back out again. In that time I could have walked there, but then we would have been walking for more time than we wanted, and would have had to walk back. Instead of the WCC trails, I remembered that there are trails not far from where we were staying, although I have never been walking in that area. We decided it was best to give it a try, and we are glad we did. The trails, I will call them the Wilmot-Wideman Forest Trails(not sure on the proper name) are located at Wilmot Line and Wideman Rd, with parking on Wideman Rd, are walking only in the spring/summer months and cross country skiing in the winter.
The trails are really well maintained and offer some challenges, but nothing to challenging that small children can't handle with a bit of help from adults. There are plenty of forks that allow you to travel as long, or as short as you want, and ample opportunities to see wildlife. When Emma and I were there we found a pond with about 20 turtles, and after a few minutes of watching them we started on our way again and I noticed movement in my peripheral vision, the movement was a wild female turkey. About halfway through the journey we climbed to the top of a large hill and found a bench that gives you a spectacular view towards Baden. If you were to go in the autumn with your camera you would get some amazing shots of what that season is known for.
If anyone is interested in going for a leisurely walk in the area and wants to avoid the well known places, I highly recommend the Wilmot-Wideman Forest Trails as they offer a variety of hiking through forest and open fields in solitude and ample opportunities to spot wildlife and excellent views with the possibility of amazing photographs.
