Cobbler Path

edit_6578Cobbler Path is a popular trail just outside of the city limits of St. John’s. The trailhead can be found at the end of a quiet road with a nice view; hikers park in the turnaround or along the side of the road. The first 500 m of the trail passes over boardwalk through marsh and woods, after which the trail opens up and a side trail to spectacular Torbay Point is available on the left. This is a highly recommended detour, especially early in the summer when whales are visible on all sides. Be careful on the hike to the end of the point as it is in essence a high cliff.

The trail leaves the point with a steep climb, at the top of which a great view of the Point is available, and again, some spectacular whale watching when in season. The path follows the cliff edge for another kilometer or so, eventually heading back downhill in a gradual descent, passing through forest, to Cobbler’s Brook. A scenic rock bridge at Cobbler’s Brook leads to a view of the Cobbler, a rocky, according to the ECT maps, which looks like a cobbler’s bench. From here, the trail again ascends steeply, climbing to Redcliff Head.

At Redcliff Head, a number of structures are present, all colored from head to toe by graffiti. As I’ve said in the past, I appreciate graffiti art, I’d go so far as to say I’m a fan, but it’s just not appropriate to tag historical properties. There are plenty of overpasses and walls to improve elsewhere.

The trail continues a short way through woods to a junction with Red Cliff Road and another structure and set of towers. From here, hikers can travel a final 0.75 km to the trail’s end, blocked by private property owners. It’s a shame that it has come to this, but I can respect property rights. Unfortunately, this close to St. John’s, there will be users of the trail who aren’t subscribers to “leave no trace”: the folks doing the graffiti are certainly not typical of ECT users.

Check out the gallery below: currently missing some Torbay Point pictures, to be added to as time goes on!

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Gerry and Friends Slowly but Surely Hike the East Coast Trail (and occasionally elsewhere)

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