South Grey Historic Mills
Suggested time: ½ day Approximate distance: 110-120 km
Start your fall colour journey in the village of Markdale on Highway 10. Known as the centre of Grey County, this thriving community is well stocked with fine examples of late nineteenth century architecture. Be sure not to miss "Knarsboro Hall" (now the May Funeral Home), a fine example of Second Empire architecture built in 1881 by Dr. Thomas Sproule. Dr. Sproule served the local area in Canada's Parliament for parts of four decades until appointed to the Senate in 1915. At Markdale's only stoplight, head west on Grey Road 12. You are now in the municipality of West Grey, the largest township in Grey County.
Proceed along Grey Road 12 approximately 8 km until you come to Traverston Road where you turn left. Follow the gravel surface until you round a bend and descend into a gorge cut by the Rocky Saugeen River. Pass over an old iron bridge and note the imposing and beautifully restored three-storey mill on your right. A town plan for this community (the intended name was Waverly) dated in 1856, shows ambitious plans for a large town. Although Traverston was once a thriving hamlet boasting a wool mill and a private school, it was never as large as some had hoped. The community faded to become the quiet retreat it is today. The mill that you see remained in business until 1955 and now serves as a unique private residence.
Continue on until you reach the T intersection at Concession 8. Turn right and proceed until you come to Baseline Road where a left turn should be taken. Baseline Road will turn into McCormick's Sideroad as you follow the bend. McCormick's Sideroad is narrow, but persevere, for the autumn colours are spectacular. Many of Ontario's rare ferns and orchids are found in this less developed area. You will cross many streams here in the Saugeen watershed all of which offer exceptional fly-fishing.
Follow McCormick's Sideroad, cross Concession 2, and turn left once you have come to Highway 6. After 2.5 km, you will cross the bridge that passes over the Rocky Saugeen River. On your right is a superbly restored stone mill which closed mid-century and is now privately owned.
Around a curve and less than 2 km from the bridge, turn right onto Sideroad 18. To proceed through the pioneer hamlet of Aberdeen turn right at concession 2, cross another bridge and finally make a quick left turn just after the bridge back onto Sideroad 18. Aberdeen is the site of another mill, unfortunately only a few stone pilings remain in the river to mark its existence.
After approximately 8 km, turn left at the stop sign onto Grey Road 3. You will shortly cross the main branch of the Saugeen River as well as Grey Road 4, thus continuing south on Grey Road 3. This drive takes you through prosperous rolling farmland on your way to Ayton, home to yet another well-maintained grist mill now serving as a private residence. Once in Ayton, you will turn right at the first T intersection. Once across the bridge you will pass the Ayton Mill and continue on Normanby Road 9. After a series of hills and valleys and a number of classic fieldstone farmhouses, turn right onto Sideroad 5. Nestled in the first woodlot on the left is a solid German fieldstone schoolhouse (S.S.#13 Normanby) dating from the pioneer era. The father of John Diefenbaker, Canada's 13th Prime Minister, taught here from 1895 to 1897 while John was born in nearby Neustadt.
Follow Sideroad 5 northward to Grey Road 9 at Neustadt. A stop is recommended to take in the Old World ambiance of this community. Named by Harrowsmith Magazine as one of Canada's prettiest villages in 2001, Neustadt offers a number of quaint buildings and shops with all kinds of unusual finds. For information and samples stop at the Neustadt Springs Brewery, dated from 1869 and designated as an Ontario Heritage Building.
After visiting the galleries, shops and historic sites in Neustadt, proceed north on Adam Street which turns into Grey Road 10. After approximately 4 km a right turn is made to visit the Saugeen Conservation Authority Headquarters. Here is a wonderland of ponds, forested trails, sulphur springs and seasonal wildflowers. A picnic area is available as well. Turn left out of the Headquarters parking lot and then left again at Grey Road 28.
Turn right onto Grey Road 4, heading east, and follow signs all the way to the first set of lights in Durham. Make a stop here to enjoy the outdoor murals and scenic river parks that characterize the river town, once home to 7 mills of which only one remains presiding over the Heritage Walkway Bridge. McGowan Falls, one of Grey County's 7 waterfalls is a short distance to the east along George Street.
Continue east on Grey Road 4 from Durham through Priceville and Ceylon until you come to Flesherton. You can turn left and continue back to your starting point in Markdale or find your way home from Flesherton. For those that enjoy visiting Artist's studios, the Autumn Leaves Studio Tour takes place annually in late September or early October throughout this southern part of the County.
Trip Tic-South Grey Mill
Map of South Grey Mill
Other Fall Drives:
Waterfalls and Fall Colours
Beaver Valley and Meaford Fall Drive
