Switch Bridge Tours
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This historical adventure follows a reclaimed railroad bed that once transported businessman, military officers, and affluent landowners to the once thriving settlements of Sooke and Leechtown. Leaving Selkirk Station Bicycle and Kayak, you travel across the Selkirk Trestle and along the trail until you come to the overpass where you will cross and turn left. Traveling parallel to the highway, this route will eventually start to rise above the highway and above the Portage Inlet. The Olympic Mountains in Washington State can be seen along here. After crossing the Trestle at Millstream Creek you go up the highway. Look for the controlled intersection. The trail continues again right bedside the White Spot Restaurant on the other side of the highway. This loop goes around to finish in front of Royal Roads University and The Hatley Castle. Continue along the trail past the Royal Colwood Golf course out to Happy Valley. There are a few hidden lake accesses going through the Glen Lake area that if weather permits, are excellent for a quick dip, but you are just starting and there is a lot more to see and do.
Past the Luxton Rodeo grounds, Happy Valley seems to go on forever. Most seasons this is a great place to be. The trail is ‘trail mix’ which equates to hard packed gravel, and its easy cycling. After Happy Valley you will head into rural Metchosin, where beautiful farmland rolls down to the ocean. You will eventually come to Matheson Lake where there is another great swimming opportunity. Before you know it you are riding along the cliffs over looking the Sooke Basin. Fuse Restaurant is suddenly visible down to the left with an appealing patio. The town of Sooke is along the road further to the west. Sooke Potholes on the Sooke River is another 5 kilometers straight across the road on the trail. This part of the trail offers two of the old restored trestles that traverse above Charters Creek and Todd Creek hundreds of feet below. A few kilometres further in, they offer great overnight camping. Reservations are highly recommended. Leechtown, which ends in a vacant field, is another 10 kilometers of spectacular river scenery. There is nothing to mark this true ghost town, but you did make it to a place where the mother lode is yet to be discovered, and you will have had a memorable ride.Approx 58 kms. 3-4 hours depending on speed of people.
You should be prepared for weather, nourishment, and minor mechanical repairs with a flat kit. This trip takes a full day of riding. A lot of riders stay in the Bed and Breakfast’s in Sooke and come back the next day.