Shelter Valley Cycling Route

This loop offers a diverse cycling challenge; it’s low in vehicular traffic and high on being bicycle friendly. Further north the elevation brings you to new vistas and even through some dense forested areas.

Beginning eastbound out of Cobourg, you’re on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. At Lakeshore Road you’ll be taking in views of Lake Ontario beyond fields of apple blossoms or fruit-filled orchards, depending on the time of year you’re travelling. 

Nawautin Nature Sanctuary (5-hectare) is a definite must stop. Veer off the Shelter Valley Route just a short jog southbound on Keewatin Road, lock up your bike and meander the southbound trail to a covered walking bridge. Enjoy views of Lake Ontario to the south, and ponds with a myriad of waterfowl to the north. Continue on the short looped walking trail through a cedar forest, and back to your bike if you want to extend your visit.

If you need a quick break, stop to explore some small gift shops located within the 1812 Heritage Buildings to the south of Highway 2.

Now you begin heading into the hills as you travel northbound along Shelter Valley Road. It’s relatively straight with a good base. You’ll approach a long underpass at Hwy 401 which can offer shelter from the sun or rain, and many times provides an interesting and surreal photo opportunity. The Shelter Valley Creek meanders throughout the valley, crisscrossing at various intervals along the route.  

Stop and make friends with the cows and horses roaming the hillside farmland. Vernonville has good roads and quaint farms along the way. Enjoy the colourful maples in fall along Pipeline Road.

Get yourself prepared for what cyclists deem “heart thumpers”…the Academy Hill and Massey Road grades (7% and 8% respectively). You’ll need a well-deserved break at this point. Ste. Anne’s Bakery at 252 Academy Hill Road serves up excellent carrot cake, butter tarts (as part of Kawarthas Northumberland's Buttertart Tour), macarons and more.  Fill up with water here, too.

Along Gully Road you’ll begin to see signs for the Greenbelt Route which you’ll be following (along with the Shelter Valley Route) back into Cobourg.  Northumberland is the eastern terminus for the Greenbelt Route (Northumberland to Niagara).

Brookside Road brings you southbound on a nice downward slope to join up with County Road 2 which you’ll recognize as your entry point to this route.

By Petra Hartwig

*Article written based on experiences prior to COVID-19. Contact individual businesses for up-to-date operation details.