The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Hiking Guernsey Path in Wellesley

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When that crisp Fall air blew into town, I started hiking again. There are plenty of nice trails in Wellesley where you can walk in the woods as a change of pace from the well-travelled Brook Path. Recently, I tried out the Guernsey Path, which takes you from a small parking lot on Winding River Road, to Sabrina Lake, and back. It’s less than an hour and about 6,500 steps (yes, I’m one of those crazy steps counters). Heres’s a pictorial guide for you:

Wellesley Guernsey Sanctuary Hike, Fall 2015
Look for the Guernsey Sanctuary parking lot on Winding River Road. There is space for several cars, and there’s a trail map posted there.
Wellesley Guernsey Sanctuary Hike, Fall 2015
Go down the path. Look for the bat house on a long pole on your right. You’ll cross over the road. Look for the Livingston/Winding River sign, and the Susan Lee Memorial Sanctuary sign.
Wellesley, Waban Arches, Fall 2015
You’ll come along the Waban Arches, the historic Wellesley landmark that spans a tributuary of the Charles River and dates back to the 1870s.
The Arches are the canvas of choice for Wellesley's graffiti artists. Some messages are political, like this one, some taggers just want you to know that they were there.
The Arches are the canvas of choice for Wellesley’s graffiti artists. Some messages are political, like this one, some taggers just want you to know that they were there.
Before you continue along the trail, go to the top of the arches for this view of Nehoiden golf course on the grounds of Wellesley College.
Before you continue along the trail, go to the top of the arches for a view of Nehoiden golf course on the grounds of Wellesley College.
Wellesley Waban arches, graffit, Fall 2015
They may have graduated, but the Class of 2015 is immortalized, for now, at the top of the Waban Arches.
Waban arches, graffit, Fall 2015
You’ll come across this vernal pool, which teems with salamander and frog activity in the spring.
Wellesley, Guernsey Trail Hike, Fall 2015
Wellesley’s Eagle Scouts have left their productive marks all over the trails of Wellesley. Here, we have Ben Zaehringer to thank for his well-crafted bridge, helping out hikers since 2006.
Wellesley, Guernsey Trail Hike, Fall 2015
Robbie Littlefield’s Eagle Scout bridge project has proven itself long-lasting as well.

 

Wellesley, Guernsey Trail, Fall 2015
As you walk along privately-owned Sabrina Lake, look for a sign to point you to Oak Island.
Wellesley, Guernsey Trail hike, Fall 2015
A private dock on Sabrina Lake. The lake is the site of an 1870s amusement park.
Wellesley, Guernsey Trail hike, Fall 2015
When you can see this little structure, time to turn around and head back.
Wellesley, Guernsey Trail hike, Fall 2015
On your way back, when you get to the fork in the path, look for this bridge, and bear to the right. Soon, you’ll pass the Locust Lane cul de sac on your left, and the Guernsey Sanctuary sign on your right.
Wellesley, Guerney Trail, Fall 2015
Take a left at the wooden stake marker, and a left at the next wooden stake marker, pictured. Pass the bat house on the left, and you are back to your car.

Nice hike. Now don’t you feel all productive and well-exercised?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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