Westminister Ponds Trails
The Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills complex is one of the largest Natural Areas in London, comprising some 300 hectares over an area 3 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide. There are six major ponds and a number of smaller ones scattered throughout the area. The Westminster Ponds area is significant because it possesses a rich variety of natural habitats in a relatively undisturbed state, even though it is situated within the boundaries of a major urban centre. In fact, this marsh, swamp and bog complex is a Class 1 provincially significant wetland.
The wooded slopes surrounding Spettigues Pond provide excellent views of this scenic pond, particularly in the fall when the red leaves of the maples and the yellow needles of the Tamaracks are reflected in the water. The main trail leads east from the Tourist Information Centre to a boardwalk, which marks the beginning of the Spettigues Pond loop. (Use the boardwalks in wet areas to minimize damage to sensitive plants.) Watch for the side trail leading to the viewing platform on the southwest edge of Spettigues Pond. Many of the minor and unofficial trails are not marked on the map. For your first visit, use the most heavily used trail and take note of your bearings by regularly referring to the map.
You may need to explore the area many times before you are thoroughly familiar with all of the trails. Please use the official access points indicated on the map. Managed trails are marked with yellow blazes. Bicycles are only permitted on the asphalt or crushed gravel paths in Kilally Meadows and Medway Valley. BICYCLES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN ANY OTHER LOCATIONS. All dogs must be on leash Information provided by the Upper Thames River Conservation website.
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At the Ontario Trails Council, we do our best to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information we provide on the site. Please remember however, that some of the information you'll find here has been provided by third parties; we can't take responsibility for that information or make any guarantees as to its quality or accuracy. It's also important to remember that while something you read here may have been correct at the time it was posted, Seasons change and the trails change with them! Contact the trail manager or local weather office when planning a trip to avoid surprises, like poor conditions or trail closures.
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This site is supported by a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion Active 2010 Recreation Program, The Ministry of Natural Resources, The Ontario Trillium Foundation and trail users like you!
| TRAIL STATS | |
| LENGTH: | 10.5 km |
| DIFFICULTY: | •• |
| ACTIVITIES: | Hiking & Walking, Cycling - Off-Road, Snowshoeing & Backcountry |
| CHARACTER: | Natural |
| SURFACE: | Gravel, Soil - Compacted, Boardwalk |
| AMENITIES: | Parking, Picnic Areas, Designated Rest Areas |
| OTHER: | Partial Wheelchair Access, Dog Walking (On leash) |
| LOCATION | |
| REGION: | Southwestern Ontario |
| SUB-REGION: | Black Heritage Route |
| CLOSEST TOWN(S): | London |
| TRAILHEAD: | GPS |
| SEASONS / HOURS | |
Year-round |
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| CONTACT INFO | |
| NAME: | Upper Thames River C.A. , General Inquiry |
| PHONE: | 519-451-2800 |
| EMAIL: | Email Us Now |
| WEB SITE | |
For more information, including maps, please visit our Web site at www.thamesriver.on.ca |
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