Friends of the Rail Trail (FoRT) were joined by the Haliburton Highlands Grannies for a walk in solidarity on May 27 during the final ramble of the season.

To kick things off, Abbey North drummers who led a jam session with visitors joining in.

The event got started at Rails End Gallery and included a walk through Haliburton Village, led by FoRT director Pamela Marsales.

FoRT is part of a new initiative Creating a Village Pathways Network, made possible through the Haliburton County Development Corporation, said Marsales.

Raising more than $1,000, the Grannies joined the ramble as part of the organization's Stride to Turn the Tide Initiative, which raises funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Taking place every Sunday during the months of April and May, the rambles were well attended by long-time supporters of FoRT, said Marsales.

"What I found this year was that wonderful is that the rambles have turned into something that is social. People are looking forward to connecting, talking and meeting with old friends," Marsales told the paper.

The FoRT will be hosting Critters on the Trail on Saturday, June 9.

Open to people of all ages, the free event will kick off at 9:15 a.m. at the Haliburton Fish Hatchery and include a guided tour of the Rail Trail.

To register for the event contact Marsales at 705-457-4767 or by emailing

info@friendsoftherailtrail.ca.

Critters on the Trail is in conjunction with International Biodiversity Day.