Robertson Lake, Lanark Highlands

 

For spring 2021 paddling, I decided to focus on some of the large Lanark County lakes that I have never explored.  Typically, large lakes are not my favourite paddling places. Larger lakes are usually more developed (i.e. cottages, powerboats, etc.). Depending on the weather, they can be more of a challenge to paddle. White Lake is a large lake, and I enjoy exploring it due to its many islands, bays, and marshes. So, other medium and large lakes might turn out to be interesting and fun paddles as well!

My track (7.5km)

Google Earth view

On May 6, I headed to the western boundary of Lanark County to give Robertson Lake a try. One great thing about Robertson Lake is the public beach access and parking at the north end of the lake (S. Lavant Road).  Robertson Lake is 2km long and has several small islands in the middle section. The north end of the lake is more developed, but on May 6, I had the lake to myself.

Lavant Mills Road access

I started my paddle down the east shore with a first stop at the Lavant Mills Road lake access. This access/launch point would also suit a canoe or kayak. Back in the kayak, I paddled the remaining 1km to the south end of the lake to explore a small bay. Near the small bay, two pairs of Painted Turtles were catching some rays on a log (always lovely to see). The other nature I observed near the turtles was some common Leatherleaf shrub – but it was the first time I’d seen it in bloom (lovely white tube-like flowers). 

Painted Turtles

Leatherleaf in bloom

On the way back (west shore), I explored some of the lake’s islands from the water and made a stop on a small island for my lunch. I wasn’t the first one here; it has a good landing beach, a campfire, and room for a tent. After my lunch break, I finished my Robertson Lake circumnavigation by following the west shoreline back to the starting point (S. Lavant Road beach).

Robertson Lake is OK, but it probably won’t be too high on my favourite places to paddle in Lanark County – especially during the busy summer lake season.

Campsite island (west shore)

S. Lavant Road beach (main launch point)