Taking the TH&B (Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway) route out of West Brant at the Shellard Lane access, a short bike ride following a paved path will take you to the Mount Pleasant access of the LE&N (Lake Erie & Northern Electric Railway) and then on to the Scotland. And it’s here at the 12 km mark where you can take a detour from rail trail biking onto Oakland Rd. to enjoy a unique craft beer experience at Flux Brewing Company.
If you plan to leave mid-morning, you can make a lunchtime thirst quencher and kitchen pairing at Flux a worthy goal. However, those who opt not to can simply enjoy the amazing scenery through Brant County! The TH&B and LE&N rail trails are well maintained annually, beginning May 1st. Bicyclists of all levels will enjoy this ride not only for its access points and elevation (which is relatively flat with only gradual inclines,) but also for the scenery! It sets out in the tail-end of the D’Aubigny Creek wetlands and winds its way through woodlots of Carolinian Forest, beautiful seasonal tunnels of wild grape vines and overhanging tree canopies, and farmers’ fields all along the way. And if you’re lucky, the first 2 kilometers have turtles, deer, and the odd fox sightings!
Heading toward the village of Mount Pleasant, the scenery opens up to more agricultural views. Finished in 2010, the TH&B became a part of the TransCanada Trail and has ample signage recognizing farming underpasses, windbreaks, and crossings. If you’re more inclined to read about their contributions to the local economy, trail markers also reference the historic growth of farming in the area where on either side you’ll bike past soybeans, corn, and tobacco, among other crops.
Likewise, details on the establishment and history of the Mount Pleasant Nature Park can be found along the trail at the dam and rest stop (bench seating only.) Once considered useless, having a “rough swamp bottom,” this area has undergone various stages of alteration from its swampy starts to a well-preened park, followed by a mill and then a hatchery, before becoming what it is today. The Optimistic Club of Mt. Pleasant currently ensures the property is cared for. Along this route, trail markers for the LE&N rail trail and access to the nature park are easy to spot. It’s a great place to stop for a break or a snack, use the facilities if necessary, or stroll around the 3 fishing ponds.
Moving along on the LE&N toward Scotland, you’ll ride through an overpass at Pleasant Ridge Rd. which is home to some unique graffiti art and also sits alongside historic Fairchild Cemetery, an interment spot nearly 2 centuries old. And following that, you’ll cross Maple Grove Rd. and Elliott Rd. before cycling along Willow Lake RV resort on one side and the Scotland Agromart property on the other. Once you’ve reached the trail access at Oakland Rd., another marker with a map and bench seating is available for a break if need be.
From here, your decision to go to Flux Brewing Company for some good eats and great beer is easily made! A short bike ride east to 185 Oakland Rd. will have you enjoying excellent atmosphere, great food and an even greater core lineup of proprietary brews. Their patio service and onsite Manna Kitchen (new to this craft beer refuge in a rural setting) is paired nicely with special events, unique tasting flights, and guest food pop-ups.
You could roll up for a Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Jalapeno Poppers, or Buffalo Chicken Fries and couple these with a lager, porter, IPA, or even a sour. The opportunity to sit out on the Flux patio in the sunshine in beautiful Brant County is honestly unsurpassed following a sweet bike ride from Brantford. The only thing that tops the day better is realizing you also get to enjoy the ride back! Cheers!
Uncommonly Grand 
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