MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018 ML BLUE 79 WEEKEND TRIPS At 78 kilometres all the way around, speed hiking the La Cloche Silhouette Trail in Killarney Provincial Park poses a few challenges—but just as many rewards. Most hiking websites recommend taking seven to ten days to do the entire loop, and in the summer, the campsites along the technical trail are often booked weeks in advance. If you are a strong hiker or ultra-runner, deciding the number of camping nights can be a tough choice. The fastest known time for running the entire trail is sub-10 hours set by Eric Batty, and many ultra-runners have been able to finish the trail in the course of one day carrying only light run packs. Hiking with enough gear to sleep and eat comfortably, though, means a debate between planning for one or two nights of camping along the trail (and reserving the estimated sites you’ll use for camping). But if you’re a seasoned endurance athlete looking for a serious challenge, the speed hike of the five sections that make up the trail is worth the attempt. You’ll find clear lakes alongside the trail perfect for a quick cool-off, technical climbs up and down the rocky terrain of the ancient La Cloche mountain range, and campsites nestled in rings of trees that give the illusion you’re the only person left in the world—in a good way. May into August, expect to be swarmed by mosquitoes and bring proper gear to avoid an itchy exit. Pro tips: Because the park recommends planning for at least five days of hiking to complete the loop, pack extra food and water- purifying gear in case it takes longer than anticipated. And the ground is very rough and unpredictable, so high-end and pre-tested trail-running or hiking shoes are strongly recommended. —Molly Hurford DIY: free annotated topo map at thekillarneymap.com 43 La Cloche Speed Hike Speed-hike this. OTMPC