Super Saugeen Gravel Sampler
Okay, calling it a sampler is a bit of a stretch when the ride is nearly 190 km in length… But this one includes many of Bruce County’s greatest hits—fast gravel, rolling hills, scenic rivers, and a mix of classic roads and hidden gems.
Ride Overview:
Starting in Southampton at Martin’s Bicycle Shop, the ride gets onto dirt quickly, following the Saugeen River as it winds through classic Bruce County farmland. This early stretch is a great warm-up, with gentle rollers and scenic river views leading into the Arran-Elderslie region.
As you push further east, the terrain shifts to more rolling hills, with Arran Lake appearing to the right. The Elsinore Road section marks the first real challenge of the day, featuring a series of roller-coaster climbs before transitioning onto Skipness Road—a remote, unmaintained stretch that adds more punch and a real sense of adventure.
The Climbs Begin:
After a brief reprieve on Bruce Road 14, Blind Line delivers a short but punchy test—arguably one of the more demanding sections of the ride. The climbing continues on Allenford Road, where longer, more sustained ascents test your endurance.
Riding into Park Head, you’ll cross the Sauble River before hitting 5 Sideroad, a seasonal gravel road that mixes fast-rolling sections with loose, chunky bits. From here, the route weaves south and west through a series of classic Bruce County farm roads, where long stretches of open gravel are broken up by forested sections and rolling hills.
Rolling Through Mennonite Country:
As you roll into Allenford, the terrain settles briefly, transitioning into the rolling fields of western Arran-Elderslie. If you’re riding on a Sunday, expect to share the road with horse-drawn Mennonite carriages as families travel to and from church. The hills roll gently, the farms are immaculately kept, and the sense of rural tranquility makes this stretch a memorable part of the ride.
Paisley, Tiverton & Lake Huron Views:
The route then passes through Paisley, a great spot to grab water or a quick snack before continuing westward on fast, hard-packed, and often breezy gravel toward Tiverton. This section provides a mix of gravel and pavement over rolling terrain and flatter stretches, sometimes giving your legs a slight reprieve while other times result in an upwind leg burner.
As you turn north from Tiverton toward Port Elgin, you’ll begin to feel the Lake Huron influence—open, wind-swept farm roads mixed with pockets of tree-covered gravel and epic views of Lake Huron to the west. Once you encounter the edge of the local escarpment, you’ll head dead west to the water. From here, you’ll traverse the Old Shore Road throug Macgregor Point Provincial Park along the shoreline through shaded trails and the occasional single track.
The approach into Port Elgin provides a welcome, brief return to pavement before the final, relaxing section of rail trail back to Southampton.
The Final Stretch:
The last portion of the ride follows a quiet section of the Saugeen Rail Trail and a brief section of waterfront streets, giving you a chance to stretch out the legs in the final kilometers into Southampton.
Rolling into town, you’ll have covered an incredible mix of river valleys, farm roads, forested tracks, and unmaintained sections—a true Bruce County gravel epic.
If you still have the legs, take a cooldown spin along the Southampton waterfront and cap off the ride with a stop at Offshore Bakery or a well-earned coffee at Elk & Finch or Dizzy Bird.
Summary:
✅ Distance: 189 km
✅ Elevation Gain: 1,634 m
✅ Terrain: Mixed gravel, farm roads, unmaintained sections
✅ Difficulty: Challenging but rewarding
✅ Highlights:
Classic Bruce County gravel roads
River crossings along the Saugeen & Sauble Rivers
Punchy climbs on Blind Line & Allenford Rd
Remote, scenic stretches on 5 Sideroad
Paisley & Tiverton for resupply
Lake Huron views on the final leg
This is a ride that demands strong legs and smart pacing—but rewards you with some of the best gravel Bruce County has to offer. 🚴♂️
