One of the things
I miss about the UK is the access to the countryside, good walks, and a warm
pub for a pint and meal. It was a pleasure to visit Fort Langley and walk the
Fort-to-Fort Trail last week and re-kindle the charm of the countryside. An hour car trip away, or in my case ninety
minutes on public transportation involving the Skytrain and two buses made for
a leisurely morning commute.
The Fort-to-Fort
Trail links the original Hudson Bay Company location within the Derby Reach Regional
Park to its current historic location in Fort Langley. The walk is a splendid
mix of thicket, river views, marshes, and subtle grassy knolls along with an interesting
history involving the HBC, its fur trading route, Anglo-American tensions, and
the birthplace of British Columbia and of its original residents the Stó:lō “river” people. An interesting heritage apple tree selfguided tour is well worth part of the walk with trees planted by the HBC back
in 1827. 
This
walk is easy and gentle from the current starting point at the historic Fort through the town Centre and along
the Bedford channel with its views of Brae Island on your right. The trail
deviates a bit along Allard Crescent home to gentlemen/hobby farmers. Walking
this stretch is like a scene from Top Gear – expect to see lambos, Land Rovers,
and Astons purr by the large gated estates. From here you meander through Derby
Reach Regional Park and experience a bit of a change in grade about 14% over the
course of the 4.6 km walk. Give yourself two hours to walk in both directions
returning to Fort Langley town Centre for a bite and pint.
Saturday November 22nd is Christmas Tree Lighting night a jolly good reason to pop out to the country for dinner, a stiff drink, and another Christmassy walk.
Bites and Drinks
Hand food : Say
Cheese
Pub Grub: Fort
Pub (Parallel 49 beer on tap)
Fork and Knife
Dining: Lamplighter (reservations recommended)
Beverages:
Republika Coffee Roasters (great roasters using organic/fairtrade beans)
