Saturday May 2 at 11:00 AM

Walk Lead: Tom Tulloch

Description: The walk will offer an understanding and exploration of the evolution of York Redoubt, from an 18th century gun battery to the cornerstone of the defences of Halifax during the Second World War. It will explore prominent elements of the Fort, but will also expose some hidden, little-known parts.

Starting location: The main gate entrance to York Redoubt, just off Ferguson's Cove Road

End location: The main gate entrance to York Redoubt, just off Ferguson's Cove Road

Duration: 1-2.5 hours

More info: The walk will be conducted in two parts.

The first part will be a one-hour walking tour of the main fort itself, which will be mainly on gravel footpaths and mostly level ground except for ascending the 68 steps up to the Fortress Command Post (total distance of first part is 1.5 km).

The second part (a further 1 to 1.5 hours) will be more physically challenging, as it descends 60 meters (150 feet) down to sea level to visit the York Shore Battery, and then climbs back up the same path to return - mostly on a gravel roadway but with one or two diversions along forest paths to view other features (total distance of second part is 2.75 km). Participants may choose to leave after the first part (which will end back at the main gate) or, if they are up to a more vigorous descent and climb, continue for the second part. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended, and note that some of the sites to be visited are wet and/ or muddy. As we will be venturing inside some of the underground areas, participants may wish to bring a flashlight. Please also note that there is no city bus to York Redoubt on weekends.