Pennypack ERT Exploration & Glencairn Castle

2 hours, 5-6 miles, brisk pace, some hills, a few steep, short visit to Glencairn Castle & Cathedral, path along Pennypack Creek, beautiful meadows trail, scenic horse farm with pond,

Pennypack ERT, Environmental Restoration Trust, has miles of trail that hug both sides of the Pennypack. Another part of the trust has trails that go through hilly meadows. From the top of one hill we visit a picturesque horse farm with a pond with several swans. One of my favorite views.

The trails also lead to Glencairn Castle (Museum) which is not only one of the most beautiful buildings in the area, but is one of the 100 largest houses in the country. #73 on the Wikipedia list. It's the former home of Pitcairn family who spared no expense and detail building it. In 1979 after the death of Margaret Pitcairn the castle became an antiquities museum: it makes the Cloisters in NYC look 2nd rate.

Right next door is Glencairn Cathedral which is another incredible structure. We'll walk the grounds and if possible stick our heads inside for a minute. Free tours are sometimes available.

Carpooling
To carpool from Hill House (201 W Evergreen Ave, Phila) meet 45 minutes before the event. Carpool time changes if hike time changes. Text me 215-2474459, 3-4 days in advance.

GENERAL RULES : ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx: allow 30min -1hr extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. •• For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2024), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (2152474459) or at mrbasketball.net/HIKEpay.html . Thanks.
Yearly donation $15 July-Aug; $10 Sept-Nov; Dec new year.