The main trail leading to the top of the 260 metre Cottle Hill communications tower site provides an efficient cardio workout and fantastic city views. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Getting Ready

VIDEO: Epic hike adventure training continues with a trek up to Cottle Hill

Aug 21, 2022 | 10:34 AM

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a three-part series from NanaimoNewsNOW reporter Ian Holmes as he explores local hikes.

NANAIMO — In preparation for an ambitious week-long 135 kilometre family hike along storied Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, I’ve been adding elevation training to my routine.

Truthfully, I don’t know if elevation is the best way to ready my body for this primarily flat hike in England later this month, I just favour exercising where rewarding views are involved.

A classic favourite in my trail-running repertoire is the hike up Cottle Hill in the Linley Valley neighbourhood.

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The service road style trail is easily accessed from the eastern end of Linley Valley Rd., but can also be reached from several trails in the surrounding residential area.

While the winding path is only just over a half-kilometere to the top, the middle section is quite steep and will test a range of fitness abilities.

The top of Cottle Hill is about 260 meters above sea level, providing quality city and ocean views atop a rocky bluff, surrounded by numerous attractive Arbutus trees.

I prefer trail-running specific shoes for the route, due to the many loose rocks and off-path trip hazards, however quality running shoes are sufficient.

I jogged the trail twice on the morning of Friday, Aug. 19, which happened to be during the midst of a thunderstorm. I was a little spooked with constant roaring thunder and potential lightning strikes, so I didn’t stay for as long as intended.

Hiking, running or biking in the Linley Valley area provides a lot of options for people to enjoy the outdoors at their pace. Well defined trails (albeit lacking signage) link the Cottle Hill communications site to Lost Lake and Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park to the east.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes