Inverness Shean Trail | Destination Cape Breton

Overview

Length: 16 km (10 mi) – Blackstone to Inverness (linear)

Cell Service: Yes

Dogs Permitted: On Leash

Trail Surface: natural and gravel

The Inverness Shean Trail section of the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail begins at Blackstone. About 4.5 km (3 mi) toward Kenloch you will experience unsurfaced, but easily rideable coal dust covered treadway. Shortly after crossing the Strathlorne Scotsville Road at Kenloch, you will find a rest area along the shores of Lake Ainslie.

Further along, after crossing the Deepdale Road, you will come to the Deepdale Trestle. This is the last of 26 bridges, but is definitely the “granddaddy” of them all, measuring over 300 feet long and almost 100 feet high. A local interpretive panel displays pictures of the former wooden and present steel structure which carried trains for almost a century.

Don’t miss a tour of Glenora Inn & Distillery. North America’s first distiller of single malt whisky, Glenora Distillery welcomes visitors for tours, tastings and a meal at their award-winning dining room and pub, which also features daily Ceilidhs.

The trail ends on Route 19 in the village of Inverness, where you’ll enjoy views of Inverness Harbour and St. Georges Bay. Interpretive signage, a picnic shelter and public parking are found at the trailhead near Beach Road #1.

Running parallel to Beach Road #1, a 2-km (1.25-mi) oceanside boardwalk will lead you to the beautiful Inverness Beach, with its soft sand and sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs. To the right of the boardwalk, you’ll notice rolling sand dunes which sculpt the greens at Cabot Links – Canada’s first authentic links golf course.

Trailhead: Miners Museum Trailhead Kiosk/Access/Parking (Beach Road #1, Inverness)

GPS: 46.229622, -61.310109