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BEAVER | Thursday, December 29, 2 0 1 6 | 6 S p o tlig h t by Julia Slack Metroland West Media "C o n n e c t e d t o y o u r C o m m u n i t y " Halton H ikes makes h iking locally easy and fun Hiking in Halton has never been so easy. That's thanks to author Nicola Ross, who has created a guidebook of local trails that provides details anyone can follow. Halton Hikes Loops and Lattes not only gives detailed directions and trail maps, it also includes area restaurants and cafes so you can be sure you'll get your caffeine fix and a bite to eat following the hikes. The long-time Caledon resident previously authored Caledon Hikes Loops and Lattes, and now with her latest book, she's covered 3 7 trails in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Georgetown and surrounding areas. The book is written to appeal to both the casual walkers and the seasoned hikers. It's especially handy because all 3 7 hikes are loops, conveniently ending at the starting location so your car awaits your return. They range in length from 3 .6 to 2 4 .8 km, and each hike's time is recorded. Better still, though, for those who love to get close to nature, are the precise directions, terrifc photographs and local lore that's also included. It's always nice to know the "whys" of your hike, before you're on the trail. Singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer wrote the forward, noting the book is "a local history with an action guide. "It's like carrying around your own set of historical plaques -- only much lighter." www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE Detailing trails The book details the shortest to the longest hikes in a distance chart, and includes the level of difficulty -- one, two or three. It provides an overview of the type of hike, whether it's a forested trail on the Niagara Escarpment, or a beach in a city. Ross also includes insider information on local eateries so you know what's awaiting you following your hike. Each hike comes with its own detailed map -- that happens to be Ross's "pride and joy" since she does them all herself using a number of different programs. Ross even includes the best season for the hike and whether or not pesky bugs, such as mosquitoes, are something hikers should take into consideration. A trained biologist and environmental/ S 3 Nicola Ross enjoys hiking in Halton so much she has authored a second book outlining some of its best spots. The book, Halton Hikes Loops and Lattes, is out now. | submitted photo science writer, Ross said she feels very fortunate to be so in touch with nature. "It's now nice to be able to make a living hiking," she laughed. The Peel Region resident spent years writing about climate change, urban sprawl, green economics and corporate environmental performance. Hiking is her cure for stress and getting back to the land she so loves. Ross said there are already several hiking groups set up based around the Caledon book she authored last year. Nothing pleases her more knowing more people are getting in tune with nature and the environment. W ith travel stories published in The Walrus, Globe and Mail, Calgary Herald, Hamilton Spectator and more, as well as two quarterly columns in In the Hills magazine, Ross enjoys writing almost as much as she does hiking. She also loves to travel and play tennis. Her most recent adventure was a two-month long trek on horseback across Patagonia. Ross maintains a blog (blog.nicolaross.ca) that follows all her adventures. Halton Hikes Loops and Lattes can be purchased at Hawthorne Cafe in Milton, A Different Drummer Book Store and M EC, in Burlington, Archetype Books and Hiker's Haven in Oakville, as well as several locations in Georgetown, Acton, Hamilton, Waterdown, Glen Williams and Terra Cotta. Go to www.nicolaross.ca to purchase it online for $32.20. O a k villeB eaver Volume 54 | Number 104 J t Defending principles to inspire public trust O n ta r io P re s s C o u n c il 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington (905) 845-3824 Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone (416) 340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline. Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Editorial Department Advertising Department Classified Advertising Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington NEIL OLIVER Vice -President and Group Publisher KELLY MONTAGUE Regional General Manager DANIEL BAIRD Director of Advertising ANGELA BLACKBURN Managing Editor ·* metrolandmedia · C o n n e c te d to y o u r c o m m u n ity ® (905) 845-3824 (905) 845-3824 (905) 632-4440 (905) 631-6095