Southwest Ridge (Mabou Ridge) Road

Description

Background
This road is officially the Southwest Ridge Road, but it is also known as the Mabou Ridge Road, a name which is still found on some local road signs. Both names are in common local use; I do not know if this was always the case. Dan Hughie MacEachern’s well-known march, Trip to Mabou Ridge, celebrates this beautiful ridge, overlooking Mabou.
Google Maps Name
Southwest Ridge Road
Local Names
Southwest Ridge Road, Mabou Ridge Road
Direction
North to South
Start Point
46°04.143′N 61°23.906′W, in Mabou at its junction with the Cèilidh Trail (Highway 19)
End Point
46°00.214′N 61°22.627′W, at the junction of the Alpine Ridge Road, the Southwest Ridge (Mabou Ridge) Road, and the Whycocomagh Port Hood Road
Length
7.7 km (4⅘ mi)
Classification
Local Road
Surface
Paved to the top of the ridge, gravel thereafter
Condition
Good to excellent
Route Description
This road quickly reaches a Y with the Rankinville Road; bear right and continue up the ridge. Once you have gained a little height, the views will open up on your left; you will want to go slowly for the fine views of the area to the east. From the summit, you have views reaching to the Gulf of St Lawrence at the mouth of the Mabou River. Over the summit and on the way down into the Mull River Valley, there are fine views of the area to the south. This road offers even better views on the return trip, with views of Mabou village nestled at the base of Mabou Mountain and of the Cape Mabou Highlands adding their beauty to the road.
Vic’s Scenic Rating
☆☆☆☆☆

Photo Catalogue

Click on any thumbnail to be taken to the photo essay page for that photo.

Thumbnail Date GPS Locality Where Caption
../essays/1/thumbnails/pa166397.jpg 2005
October
16
46°02.488′N
61°23.510′W
Southwest Ridge 640 m (⅖ mi) north of its junction with MacLeod Road Mabou Mountain and Mabou Village