I joined a group of like minded individuals (Susan and John Walsh, and Etienne) for the 3rd Annual Cape Breton Highlands 3 Peaks Challenge, held on July 21st. It was a great success with 24 teams participating in this year’s event. The 3 Peaks Challenge requires teams of four members to hike three mountains in one day. The three mountains hiked in this year’s challenge were Cape Smokey, Meat Cove, and Sugar Loaf.
Cape Smokey: A semi -maintained and moderately challenging trail that travels up and down Smokey mountain. The view at the end of the trail is outstanding – you can see Middle Head and Keltic Lodge as well Ingonish Harbour and Ingonish Island. This trail is 11 km long.
Meat Cove: The trail is a steep steady climb up a valley through small hardwood. The trail then follows the top of an open ridge. To the left one looks up the MC River valley and to the right one looks out over the ocean.
Sugar Loaf: Climb from near sea level for about 2 km to 1400 feet. The first part of the trail follows an old wood road. Very scenic with views at the top of Aspy Bay, Sugar Loaf mountain and beach reaching to Dingwall and South harbor. Also, view the highlands and Bay St. Lawrence from a look-off.
