Hikers warned to use extreme caution on Hamilton trails

Hikers are being asked to exercise extreme caution on the trails in and around Hamiltonin the wake of last weekends ice storm.

The Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club, which monitors the section of the natural thoroughfare that runs between Grimsby and Milton, says anyone walking the route should be prepared to turn back because of possible closures and blockages.

Obviously, the ice has brought down anumber of branches and trees onto the trail, said Ken Lawday, the clubs trail director. Wed recommend, rather than bushwhack and go off the trail, that people turn back just for theirown safety.

• Related:Ice storm fouls up Hamilton's annual Christmas bird count

He said trail-goers on the Bruce should look for hazards such as tree limbs lying on the ground, broken branches hanging overhead and falling ice.He also recommended that people invest in Icers treads with metal spikes that attach to the bottom of a persons boots to prevent slipping on snow or ice.

People should make sure they have a warm drink and some food, and to be prepared to maybe be out for slightly longer than they think.

This weekends ice storm felled tree branches and power lines across Hamilton, temporarilyleaving thousands without electricity. Rural and suburban areas of Hamilton, including parts of Flamborough, Waterdown, Glanbrook, Mount Hope and Upper Stoney Creek, bore the brunt of the damage.

The conditions have spurred Conservation Halton to close the parks and trails it manages until January 2. The Hamilton Conservation Authority and the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) saytheir trails remain open, but warn hikers to take particular care.

However, the RBG has cancelled its Get Back to Nature walk on Sunday because the parking lot is currently closed at the Rock Chapel loop.

The guided hikes will resume on Jan. 5.