Nordic Walking – Franey Hiking Trail, CBHNP
Today I decided to try out my Nordic Walking Poles on one of the toughest hiking trails around – Franey, CBHNP. I was not disappointed. I found the hike up so much easier and I made great time including my breaks. Most of my breaks include some water, occasionly some food and then some pics. I am definitely sold on these nordic walking poles. Franey is one of the Hikes featured in this year’s Hike the Highlands Festival, September 14-23.
Franey can be broken down into five hills to get to the top. The first one is gradual and helps you ease your way in to this trail. The second one gets your warm up for the next three hills. Hill three & fourth are the tough ones, you will notice heavier breathing and your heart pumping more. It is ok to be humble and take a few breaks on both hills. I do. At the top of 4th hill you will notice a few paths to the right to a rock look-off. It is well worth a look and you get some great pics. You will notice a lake below to your left – that is Canns Lake. You will also see North Bay, Ingonish Island, Middlehead and Cape Smokey. The final hill is short and stubborn but takes you to the top to see an incredible view. Before you get to the start of the last hill you will see remains of a concrete footing where the Cabin used to be for the Warden as well Fire Tower Staff.
On top of Franey used to be a fire tower for many years to watch over the boreal forests of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The tower was later decommissioned and later taken down because it was a safety hazard. Many people will stay at the front where the tower used to be to enjoy the view and takes pictures. But the real gem is the path to the right that takes you to amazing view of the Clyburn Valley. Watch your step out here, cliffs below, as well it can be quite windy out there. Hold on to things. On the way back take the road back to the parking lot. At close to halfway point you will see MacDougall’s Lake to the right. The parking lot where your car is parked is about 2 kms away.
At the parking lot today, I noticed all the vehicles were from away – Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Mass, Florida, New York and New Jersey. Great to see people visiting and enjoying our National Park. Here a few pics of my hike today to Franey.
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