Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - Last edition, we took you along Lake Huron looking at the sites along the way and suggesting some stops for your educational and nourishment pacification. Most times, we end that day in Southampton because of what it offers there.
The beach is clean and stretches for miles along the lake. In fact, you can safely walk the path heading south to Port Elgin by walking the paved North Shore Trail that runs along the Lake Huron coastline, connecting the two towns. This 6 KM walk offers benches and washrooms along the way.
For a more stringent hike, the Saugeen Rail Trail is a 13.8 KM walking path also connecting Southampton and Port Elgin. Mostly paved, it follows the route of a former rail line and offers a scenic walk or bike ride. While the North Shore trail has a walk your bike bylaw, the Saugeen is a multi-use trail for walking, biking, and more. A popular loop in the summer is to bike the Saugeen Rail Trail and then loop back along the North Shore Road, which is part of the North Shore Trail.
Besides being a hike, which offers a view of Lake Huron with every step, the North Shore Trail offers information stops along the way such as the HMS General Hunter, a ship that fought in the 1812 war which is buried just below the beach beside the trail. There is the story of the Knowles Block, where a baggageman dreamed of building cottages in Southampton and eventually built twelve, which the family rented out. Some of the structures are still there.
The sand dunes plaque offers information on how the sand is kept from being swept away by wind or water. Why not pick up a lunch and enjoy it on the beach. Or, if eating on the sand doesn’t please you, have lunch at one of the eateries in Southampton. Our favourite is the Walker house.
Before you leave, check out the Market on Albert Street. It’s said to be two acres of clothes, tools, and unfinished furniture, to name but some of the many items you’ll find there. These are the main stops we make, but you may find some of your own.
