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Route 2A | Cottage Country - 80Km

route
81.0 km

Distance

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3.5 hours

Average time

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18%

Unpaved

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7/10

Difficulty

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650 m

Total Ascent

terrain
275 m

Highest Point

Peterborough & the Kawarthas has long been a favourite destination for cyclists of all types…especially road cyclists.

The combination of rolling drumlin hills, scenic lake vistas and winding rural roads make for challenging and diverse riding opportunities. They can be used for training just as easily as they can be used for a casual ride with friends and family.

On this route, riders will get a feel for the farming communities east of Peterborough, as well as the cottage country north for which the Kawarthas is renowned for. The route starts out of town on paths and quiet roads and quickly joins up with River Road as it hugs the east shore of the Otonabee River. Past Lakefield riders head to Birchview Road as it winds through the heart of Cottage Country on the way to the wilderness beyond. From Hall’s Glenn the route heads south past the Warsaw Caves as riders make their way from cottage country through the farming communities which surround Peterborough.

Why we Love this Route:

    • A shorter ride through the cottage country
    • Quiet, winding roads
    • Great coffee along the way

    Highlights & Photo OPS:

      • Scenic view of the Otonabee River from River Road. KM8 – KM20
      • Riding past Trent University along the Otonabee River. Approx. KM8 – KM9
      • Birchview Road. KM32 – KM38
      • Warsaw Caves – 289 Caves Rd, Warsaw
      • Haroldtown Conservation Area – a mountain bikers playground

      Worth Stopping for:

        • The Nutty Bean Café – Enjoy a coffee, snack, or full lunch on the patio right in the heart of Lakefield. KM20
        • Lantern Restaurant and Grill at McCracken’s Landing – Ideally situated for a mid-ride meal, this beautiful cafe literally hangs over the Stony Lake waterfront. KM38
        • Ashburnham Ale House – located in Peterborough’s “East City” this craft beer cafe is a must, located right beside the Rotary Greenway Trail.
        • Wrap up your ride at Silver Bean Café in Peterborough. – Approx. KM0 and KM81

          Places to Stay:

            Places to Eat:

              • Smitty’s Family Restaurant – 139 George Street North, Peterborough
              • Reggie’s Hot Grill – 89 Hunter Street East, Peterborough
              • Cassis Bistro – 27 Queen St. Lakefield
              • Canoe & Paddle – 16 Bridge Street, Lakefield
              • Lakefield Restaurant – 107 Queen St, Lakefield
              • Jack’s Family Restaurant – 1 Strickland St, Lakefield
              • The Cabin – 1384 Armour Rd, Peterborough

                Take the Road Less Traveled