Mallory Beach Cliffs Edge Hike

January 8, 2026 we hiked the Mallory beach Lookout section of the Bruce Trail. This section of the trail is a continuation from a hike we did back in November Malcolm Bluffs (Rock Crevices). We had another glorious mild day and the beautiful sun was shining bright. It was a stunning change to the gloom that winter brings. This day it felt like 3 degrees celsius and while I still wore my base layers, I wish I had chosen a t-shirt at times. The previous day we had hiked Jones Bluff and Dangerous Rock Fissures and my calves were already sore from that hike but I decided we could press on for this new day. We parked in the middle of the hike so that if the snow was too challenging and we couldn't complete the whole thing then the vehicle wouldn't be as far away.

Start of the Hike

The hike began on a side trail with very deep snow, making snowshoes a valuable asset, which I did not have. I've never used snowshoes before since they're not always necessary, and carrying them when not needed can be cumbersome. Like I said in the last post, most of the Bruce Trail that I have hiked have been well travelled and packed down. However, after this trip, I'm thinking about using them more often because this hike, along with the previous one, was particularly difficult due to the snow. Fortunately, when we reached the main trail, it became somewhat easier, as snow doesn't seem to accumulate as much along the cliff's edge.

Lookout

The view over Colpoy's Bay was absolutely breathtaking. The water gleamed a vibrant blue, and we could see much farther than during yesterday's hike, which had been shrouded in fog. The morning sun felt wonderful as it warmed our faces.

At this lookout, I noticed other footprints, which immediately thrilled me. I was genuinely eager to follow someone else's path, making my journey much easier.

On a narrow path like this, Oliver and Mia always fight over who gets to be first. This usually results in one of them staying on the easy, well-trodden path, while the other tries to push them out eager to take the lead. This is actually why we attach their leashes to a single handle so they always can walk side by side. Even if Jared and I both go for a walk or hike together, having two separate leashes is pointless because whoever is behind just pulls as hard as they can to get ahead/beside the pup in front.

However, my excitement about following these tracks was short-lived. We soon encountered a house not far from the lookout and the footprints led to it, instead of continuing along the trail. This was highly disappointing because I knew the difficulty that we now faced in order to forge a new path through the deep snow on our own.

Obstacle

We encountered a large log obstructing the trail. Without thinking, Mia managed to duck under it and arrive on the other side. Oliver thought about going under but decided instead that climbing over was the better option. He and I both scrambled over top of it successfully.

Since this was an out-and-back hike, we had to navigate the log twice. On the second pass, as I climbed over, my hand slipped down the log, and I ended up cutting my finger on exposed wood shards. It was my first "devastating" hiking injury (yes, that's sarcasm).

Turn Around Point

Near our turnaround spot, we were hiking through the forest, which had quite deep snow. We had already covered a significant distance of about 8 kilometers and the physical exertion was beginning to take its toll on our bodies. At this point in our journey, it seemed like we were descending, which was a clear indication that we would soon be turning around and making our way back uphill. The deep snow was relentless, seeping into my boots and making my feet wet—an uncomfortable situation that is far from ideal in the winter.

This hike was structured as an out-and-back trek, which meant we were breaking trail on our way out. This effort required significant energy, as we forged our path through the untouched snow. However, the silver lining was that on our return journey, we would have a defined path to follow, which would make the trek back to the truck somewhat easier. The day before, we had completed a challenging loop hike where we were breaking trail the entire time, which left my calves burning and protesting with every step. By the time we reached our turnaround spot on this hike, they were once again reminding me of their fatigue. Additionally, my left knee began to feel sore and tired, a nagging reminder of the physical demands of hiking.

As I approached the turnaround spot, I was acutely aware of how hard I had pushed myself during this hike. The exhaustion was overwhelming, and I found myself considering the option of cutting the hike short and turning back before reaching our intended destination. I knew that if I was feeling this drained, the pups would surely be feeling the same.

Determined to reach the turnaround point, I pulled out my phone and checked the Bruce Trails App, it was about a half kilometer away. Even though that amount seems so small, in the moment it honestly seemed insurmountable, but I was able to convince myself to keep moving forward. I literally told myself, if I don't do it now, I'm just going to have to do it later. I also reminded myself that on the way back it should be easier because I can follow my footprints I had already made in the snow.

End of the Hike

I was so utterly exhausted that the thought of returning to the truck seemed not just challenging but almost impossible, even though it was less than 2 kilometers away, a distance that normally would have felt trivial. My feet were completely drenched from the snow that had seeped into my boots, turning my socks into cold sponges that only added to my discomfort. The burning sensation in my calves and the throbbing of my left knee was a constant reminder of the strain I had put on my body. It was all I could think about, the physical sensations overwhelming my ability to concentrate on anything else. While it may sound absolutely ridiculous to some of you but mentally this was such a difficult hike that I was moving along with tears in my eyes and a lot of doubt on my capability of continuing. I literally thought at one point, maybe I can walk to a road and find a person that will drive us back to the truck. It was such a low point. Even as I type this, I remember how I felt and the stinging of tears is brought back to my eyes.

Its moments like these that truly test your mental strength and resilience. In the midst of challenging situations, I often find myself grappling with the urge to take a break but I know from experience that once I halt my momentum, it becomes exponentially harder to start moving again. I also find that once you've established a precedent for stopping, it becomes easier to keep stopping. For me, the key lies in maintaining a steady pace, no matter how slow it may seem and trust me, I was going turtle speed. I concentrated on the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, its literally all I had to do in order to reach the truck. Also, I thought about getting back to the AirBnB and putting on warm, dry socks.

During this particular hike, I was fortunate to have cell service throughout the entire trek, which allowed me to message Jared. His words of encouragement and his humour pulled me out of my head and was able to shift my perspective and remind me that I am fully capable of accomplishing this hike.

Enjoying the stunning lookout with the morning sun warming us.

Closing

This hike was incredibly challenging, and I likely pushed us further than needed. I'm really glad I persevered to reach the turnaround point instead of postponing it. I'm pleased I continued and challenged myself, realizing I can always achieve more than I initially think.

I also hope other hikers end up using the sections of the trail I covered on this hike and the previous one. Breaking trail, specifically in the winter is really hard work. I put in a lot of energy and time, so I hope others can enjoy it without having to work as hard as I did.

We hiked 11 kms altogether and 5 kms can be attributed to the main Bruce Trail. This trail is within the Peninsula Section.

Thank you!

Kendal

Keep Pushing On, You Can Do It!