Vancouver Island Park; Linley Valley, Nanaimo


Photo & Article by Mr. David Hillier of dhpimages

Living on the Island we are fortunate to have an abundance of
outdoor playgrounds and parklands to enjoy and explore, from
East Sooke Park on the southern Island, to Cape Scott on the Northern tip, we
have many to choose from, however, we shouldn't overlook what our own backyard
has to offer us.

Just off Rock City Road you will find the trail to the Linley Valley, It begins with a descent down a few
wooden stairs to a small open field where you are treated to a view of Cottle Lake and the
surrounding woodlands. The trail splits here and no matter the way you go they will take you deeper into the wooded terrain. All trails are clearly marked, so there is no need for a bread crumb trail here, they are well groomed and wide making them easily traversed by legs both long and short of the two and four (woof) legged variety. For those who would like a 2 wheel (non-motorized) trek in nature, the park is user friendly to you.

A variety of trees both large and small surround various sections of the trails and as they reach skyward they create an umbrella, so a walk on a rainy day is not out of the question, In fact I recommend it, no "plug in" air freshener can compare to the scent that mother nature provides!
Smaller plant life and windfalls blanket the contours of the landscape and Cottle Creek runs alongside and crosses parts of the trail as it finds its way to the lake.

If you are anything like me when trail walking your eyes are always scanning and looking to find the unusual and unique features that may present themselves, and the trails in the valley do offer just that so keep your eyes peeled.

So if your looking to soothe your soul and clear your mind from the clutter of your world then I recommend you take an hour or so and go for a walk in your backyard.

Comments

Rob L said…
I didn't realize that there is an entrance off Rock City Road... I don't think the Rutherford Road access is available anymore because of the construction?
March 27, 2012 at 10:02 PM
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