Claireville Conservation Area — Attraction in Brampton

I went to Clareville to check out the trail riding facilities, which are situated down a dirt path (careful, it's full of pot holes!) in the Conservation Area. Considering it is only minutes from main roads, the whole place is beautifully peaceful and quiet, not surprisingly popular with hikers and dog walkers. There is a river, plenty of trails, wooded areas and fields. The Ranch from where they do the trail rides consists of a small cabin and an area where the horses are brought in to be matched with riders. You can't book ahead unless there are at least 10 people, I was told, and I found this strange, having come from the UK where that is the norm. On the plus side, however, what you do is turn up at least half an hour before the rides are due out (at this time of the year open weekends only, 1100 to 1600) and you are guaranteed a ride on the hour. Good things: the horses are brought up to steps so you can easily mount, even if you are very small (or young!). They appear happy and healthy and are generally responsive to both Western and English riding methods. The scenery is beautiful and we even got a few feet away from a large herd of deer during our ride. The trails are private to the Ranch so most of the ride is not shared with people walking etc. The saddles are really comfortable, as are the stirrups, as they are Western saddles. It is not compulsory to wear a riding hat, but you can hire one, which is fine, considering you won't be going very fast! That was my only bugbear really, the two of us who went out were both experienced riders, but we only had one small trot in the entire hour - a bit disappointing. It can be very busy in the Summer so I would still recommend going now before the 'circus riders' turn up lol. Regardless, if you love horses and want a quiet hour in the countryside, I would highly recommend it, hence the 'excellent' rating. I went back there for a Breakfast Ride for my birthday, which was two hours of riding plus a breakfast (ride for one hour then have an hour eating a full, fried and very tasty bacon, sausages, eggs etc, prepared outside by two very able cooks, then ride back to the centre. Just a couple of things I think could be improved on there - the breakfast only took about 20 minutes, so for 40 minutes people were just hanging around with nothing to do, quite boring. Secondly, there is no thought to considering whether people might need a visit to a washroom after their breakfast. Luckily no one did, but out in the middle of nowhere (understandably) there is no opportunity. Remember to go in the portaloo...

I’ve noticed with concern the recent changes to our community’s landscape. The natural balance seems to be disturbed, as we now have foxes running around our main roads and beavers occupying our ponds. It’s disheartening to see nature being disrupted in this way. While development is inevitable, I hope that more consideration is given to preserving local wildlife habitats and ensuring that our environment remains in harmony. It would be beneficial for future planning to focus on maintaining a balance between human activity and natural ecosystems.

2021

Review of the Trails Project in Claireville, Castlemore

As long-time residents of the Claireville, Castlemore area, we’re deeply disappointed with the ongoing trails project. When we purchased our homes 10 years ago, we were assured that Claireville’s natural beauty and habitat would remain untouched. Now, 16 years later, we are witnessing a distressing transformation. The project has led to significant environmental disruption, with trees being cut down and wildlife being forced into our neighborhoods. We’ve spotted foxes on our street and in local parks, a stark sign that the natural habitat is being encroached upon. It breaks our hearts to see the area we cherished for its tranquility and natural charm being altered so...

Beautiful, beautiful land!!! On long weekend we went for a "little walk", what came out 5.5km in total. What a gem, not too far from the city. The gate was open, some cars were passing, don't think they had the same experience as we had by walking! We tried to venture into the forest at once, but didnt find the signing very clear, or very easy to follow...and at one point we run into a bridge construction, so was no other way, just to turn back. Weater was gorgeous, this huge land is cut by a dirt road, only sad part, that there is no side roads going down to the field, wouldn't mind to walk in that big open area as well. This time we didn't visit the Ranch, it was closer to closing time, but we will have to arrange a day for horse riding as well. At the starting point is two ways to go, so when we came back from the big walk, took a look at the other (smaller) loop, but got very disappointed by the untamed entrance, where more than likely under the trees kids had some wild party. Bottles, plastic drinking cups, straws, big box of baby diaper (?how did it get there?) were scattered all over...maybe a garbage bin to be placed at the side of the map would help? (because practically there is NOWHERE can be found any!!!) Besides this a bit of turn off I'm sure we will...