Behind Lantzville, and west of Brannen Lake, is a system of rocky ridges called Copley. There's an extensive trail system that winds through beautiful groves of arbutus and fir, looking out onto huge vistas: south to Mt Benson, east to Nanaimo, north to ocean and islands, and westward to the backcountry ranges leading to Mt Arrowsmith.
The corner of the ridge closest to Lantzville and Nanaimo has been developed in recent years, with large lots upon which custom homes are being built (see "The Foothills"). However, the development only covers about a third of the ridge (for now), and even when it's fully built-out, there will be many great trails and viewpoints remaining.
Two popular hiking trails in this area are:
- The Knarston Creek loop (starting at the far west point of Aulds Rd) - This is a system of trails up/around Knarston Creek which flows out of the ridges and past the Winchelsea View golf course.
- Heikkila Canyon and Bald Mountain - Closer to Dumont Rd and Brannen Lake, these trails are at the southeast part of the ridge system.
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