The routes we chose

Beaches Path — Mobile to Nolans Meadow & return

Overview

A short, easy walk suitable for families with children in backpack carriers, very young hikers, or anyone wanting a gentle outing. From the trailhead, cross the boulder beach and follow the north side of Mobile Bay to Nolans Meadow, then retrace your steps back to Mobile.

Points of Interest

• Boulder beach soon after the start.
• Nolans Meadow — an abandoned homestead with old root cellars and house foundation; the Nolans settled Mobile in the 1810s.

Route Map

North up · Atlantic to the east · schematic

Tinkers Point Path — Tors Cove to Mobile

Overview

A gentle shoreline walk with sheltered woodland and near-shore island views. From the Tors Cove trailhead, the path runs north toward Mobile via Cod Seine Cove Road, Lower Road and Gus O'Rielly's Road.

Points of Interest

• Gentle shoreline and varied, sheltered woodland walking.
• The Cribbies near Tors Cove — one of the more scenic spots in eastern Newfoundland.
• Green Island seabird colonies; the path is named for the Tinker (razorbill auk).

Route Map

North up · Atlantic to the east · schematic

La Manche Village + Tinkers Point Paths — La Manche to Mobile

Overview

Two easy paths combined into a full coastal day — rated easy but moderate by length. From La Manche, the route runs back to Mobile, including a 3.5 km road section through Bauline South, Seals Cove, St. Michael's and Tors Cove, before finishing via Cod Seine Cove Road, Lower Road and Gus O'Rielly's Road.

Points of Interest

• La Manche suspension bridge and the abandoned community of La Manche Village; the pool above the bridge is a popular swimming spot.
• Side trail to the sand beach at Doctors Cove.
• Whale-watching tours from Bauline South; nesting puffins on Pee Pee Island; otters at Crockers Island.
• The Cribbies and near-shore islands along Tinkers Point.

Route Map

North up · Atlantic to the east · schematic

Mickeleens + Beaches Paths — Bay Bulls to Mobile

Overview

The premier challenge — recommended only for fit, fast, experienced hikers. Start at the Bay Bulls Mickeleens Path trailhead, hike to Witless Bay, walk through the community (Bears Cove Rd, Harbour Rd, Hwy 10, Lower Loop Rd, Gallows Cove Rd) to Beaches Path, then on to Mobile.

Points of Interest

• Sheer-sided Chest Cove and the sea stacks of Baboul Rocks off Southern Head.
• Red sandstone cliffs of Big Cove, Lower Red Cove and Upper Red Cove.
• Ever-changing views of the Witless Bay Islands and the rugged coastline.
• Beaches Path: gentle sea-edge walking with cobblestone beaches — use caution where the shoreline is eroding.

Route Map

North up · Atlantic to the east · schematic

La Manche Village Path + Tinkers Point Path — La Manche Provincial Park to Mobile

Overview

The event's distance run — a single 14 km timed route starting on the access trail to La Manche Provincial Park, linking the La Manche Village and Tinkers Point Paths north through Tors Cove to the finish at Mobile.

Points of Interest

• La Manche suspension bridge and the abandoned La Manche Village.
• The Cribbies and near-shore islands along Tinkers Point.

Route Map

North up · Atlantic to the east · schematic