Hitting the trails

WENTWORTH - Bob Hyslop is 80 years old and he guides hiking tours in Wentworth Valley.

Yeah, he's probably not your typical 80-year-old man.

"I don't know if you'd call me a leader...I'm kind of ancient stock," Hyslop said via phone from his home on the weekend, noting that he usually explains what people are about to see, then meets them later because he can't always keep up.

Hyslop has routinely explored the Wentworth Valley woods for 40 years, making countless trips to High Head, a look-off in Wentworth that's one of the highest points in mainland Nova Scotia.

He's going back up there this coming weekend and he's looking for a crew to take with him.

The Fall Festival of Colours is taking place in Wentworth next weekend and as has been the case over the past 10 years, Hyslop will be a tour guide for an 11-kilometre hike as part of the celebration.

The three-hour foot tour, which will start at the Wentworth Valley Community Hall Association's Old Valley School House and ascend to High Head, will take place both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10 a.m.

"(High Head) is one of the great look-offs if you're interested in what's along the Cobequid Mountain," Hyslop said. "There are a few nice spots to look over the area, the Bay of Fundy, the Minas Basin...This look-off takes you out to the Northumberland Strait. On a good day, you can see the Confederation Bridge from up there."

He warned that you need a bit of stamina to make the trek, but his groups have always varied in age - from 80-something women to a six-week-old baby.

"I can tell you that it's four breast-feedings long whenever someone asks me how long it is," Hyslop quipped.

He suggested for anyone planning to attend to bring some water, some food and good footwear. Taking a chairlift up Ski Wentworth to cut down on the amount of walking is also an option, but everyone must walk down.

The hike is free of charge, but the Community Hall Association will accept donations. For more information, contact Hyslop at 548-2381.

He hopes to see you there for the same reason he'll be there: exercise.

"It's really, really good for anyone to exercise," Hyslop said. "I've had difficulties with my health. I have arthritis now and I've had injuries and so forth that I've had to exercise to get over them. It's just good for your health."