Take a leisurely stroll along this 2.9 km lightly-trafficked trail that winds alongside the Birdtail River. Suitable for all skill levels, this inviting pathway is perfect for a relaxed walk, a peaceful nature outing, or an afternoon of bird watching.
As you follow the trail, you’ll witness a blend of natural beauty and local charm. The route takes you through Birtle Park, passes by the community beach, and offers tranquil river views along the way.
The trail also takes you past historic lime kilns, adding a touch of history to the experience. The lime kilns are remnants of the area’s early industry and a unique feature that connects us to the past. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, this trail offers a little something for everyone.
This trail has been mapped on AllTrails.
Lime Kilns
Birtle sits in a stony basin, and many of the town’s early buildings were constructed using locally sourced stone. Lime, valued for its strong adhesive properties, played an essential role in binding materials together. While limestone is abundant in the area, it had to be heated to extremely high temperatures to actually produce lime. The finished product was used not only in construction, but also for whitewashing.
In Birtle’s early years, two key producers - John Haines and John Shepherd - supplied lime to the surrounding area. Both initially operated kilns on their homesteads. In 1895, John Shepherd relocated part of his operation into town. Over time the Shepherd kilns fell into disuse, but in 1993 efforts were made to clear the site and commemorate it as a point of interest along the riverside walkway.
Traces of Birtle’s lime industry can still be seen in the community’s enduring stone buildings - including the Shepherd house, located on the southeast corner of Main and 9th Streets.
