Leave earlt in the morning, you'll be back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A photographer's dream and just a few steps to everything you need. from hurricane Larry about 0.75 km before Chance Bay, but they could be walked over/under/or around fairly easily. Parking for hikers is at the community center in Port Kirwan. You can purchase a picnic there (make sure to reserve in advance) or bring your own with a blanket to enjoy the views and the sound of the ocean. And some sections of the trail are very close to the edge where there are steep drops to the ocean, with no real barriers. Ill definitely come back to stay here.. And their breakfasts were so delicious . Easy walk mainly on an old gravel road but then clearly defined trails once you hit the coast. knees deep no way around muddy. The Arch at Berry Head is spectacular! definately a full day! Despite the wet conditions was glad we did the hike. Delicious Breakfasts featuring local berries. A great spot for photographs! And the end at renews sees you walking through thorny rose bushes that have entirely overgrown the path. Easy for first 5 k then a bit more interesting and a bit boggy. Once you reach the headlands the trail become much more interesting and the sea arch made the hike worthwhile. Started in Renews to Cappahayden. You could also stop and do a short hike - like lamanche. You continue on the lane across from Bernard Kavanaghs up over the hill to an old track with a nice view of ferryland. Its not my favourite, but I would recommend. Saw fresh bear scat this morning and a lot of moose poop and tracks as well. The trail intersects with a school along the way and required some wandering around to find out where/if the trail picked up again. We left from Port Kirwan and hiked to the sea arch, which was good going and worth the hike. The north end is more groomed, and mostly through wooded areas. This was a mistake! Free Wifi, television and Netflix in every room. Thank you! Stop in Blacksmith to sign the hikers book, and stay for tea if youre so inclined. Ended up walking the road back after two slip and falls, plus the flies were atrocious. Log in, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). We made it a day tour a couple of years ago. Marvel at a colony of puffins one million strong. amazing trail, a bit muddy in places but overall really good path if there hasn't been a lot of rain. Trinity and Bonnavista was pretty, but not as much to do as the Loop. This is a scenic trail, meandering through trees and along the coast. The trail is in mostly good shape as maintenance was done recently. How much time to drive and see the Irish Loop, Re: How much time to drive and see the Irish Loop. Most were fairly easy to maneuver around; some were a little more challenging. Berrys Head Arch was spectacular! Ann and Liz are great hosts that make you feel at home far away from home! This trail is more on the moderate side than easy. Super wet, muddy, and slippery. Drive all the way up till you see the sign as posted to save some walking time. Views were mediocre as your head was down most of the way due to the trails being overgrown, not maintained and very very muddy. Shoreline, forest, marsh, heath, old rail bed, atv tracks, flat and elevation. Lots of mud - look out for floating logs. Explore Irish Loop - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Its a hard hike especially after grassy point. From the light house to Renews its a little overgrown! We continued the trail after Kavanaughs (turned right onto the street across from the store, followed the black and white sticks until the lookout and back to the Ferryland interpretation centre). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Site developed and maintained by Skyreach Media. After that, lots of trees down, mud, flooded spots. This is a pretty trail that gets bad reviews. Waterproof hikers are a must on this trail! Rooms lovely and cozy. The path actually continues across the street from where the map on AllTrails ends. Get answers to your questions about Newfoundland and 2015 Trip Reports from other members? Perfect location in downtown St. John's, everything in walking distance. Park another vehicle at the Aquaforte entrance (which is just on the side of the highway) if you complete the entire hike, otherwise you will have to walk another 2 hours back to your car in Port Kirwan. Probably wouldnt hike again. This part of the trail is very uneven, wet, and full of roots and rocks. All of that was expected this early in the season, though, and we managed to keep our feet dry in just waterproof hiking shoes (and stepping very carefully). Part 1, Newfoundland and Labrador Bed and Breakfast, Newfoundland and Labrador Holiday Rentals, Browse all 4,584 Newfoundland and Labrador topics , Concerns about safety and comfort levels in Newfoundland, Flight to St.JOHNS NF and car rental honored, Itinerary Review and any accommodation suggestions, Suggestion for our last night- between Bonavista & St. Js, See All Newfoundland and Labrador Conversations, Our 6 day trip, St John's, Twillingate, Fogo, Avalon, Help with my trip planning- St. Johns to Fogo Island. Excellent views near the lighthouse! Started in Port Kirwan, lunched at the Berry Arch, and finished in Aquaforte. Walked from the Colony of Avalon parking lot and back. The previous 3 days had heavy rain and the trail was very wet and muddy for first 8km. Hot, very grateful for the breeze! The difficult rating is very appropriate. Copyright 2020 The Narrows Bed and Breakfast - All Rights Reserved. Trail was in pretty good condition except for a few downed trees (maybe 4 or 5?) The Port Kirwan side of the trail is fairly nice and well kept. There are so many places to stop! Started at northern end and headed in land. The Berry Hill Sea Arch is a beautiful feature of the trail. Easy path with some nice views. Nowhere to stop along the trail for a little rest. West side - Suggested Itinerary for 9 Days? Very well maintained trail. Few short overgrown sections, a couple of good climbs, and lots of good views. There many things that you would want to see and do and it would take a day. The app will tell you your off trail if you stay on the actual trail. Plush towels with quality soap, shampoo and blow dryer. Lovely bed & breakfast with two wonderful hosts! We hiked from Port Kirwan to the arch and back - trail was very good until just after Grassy Point (approx 1 hr in). Waterproof Hiking Boots needed. The south end is definitely muddier and short sections have grown in, but has the better views with the path following closer to the coast. http://www.theirishloop.com/activities.htm#Tours. Berryhead Arch is the single most impressive site we've made it to along the East Coast Trail. It's a good trail there, not as hard. You'll spend most of this next 8 km jumping across streams, navigating rock pathways, testing the strength of broken boardwalks and just generally having a miserable time getting to Aquaforte. Not for novices. The rooms are cozy and clean and the breakfast is delicious, cooked in front of you in the big kitchen/dining area! We managed to find The Gaze portion of the path this time and were rewarded with gorgeous views! I would recommmend the Ferryland lighthouse picnic - a perfect stop. Gorgeous views. We spend one night here is a very comfortable row house which is surprisingly larger inside than it looks from the street. Worst section of ECT i have ever done, trail structures may as well not even exist, more bog than trail. Great trail. great trail but put your rub boots on if you goes for a hike out there. Totally enjoyed the Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic! Trail needs a little work but worth the views! Easy walk, beautiful day! It was wet and a bit overgrown, but varied and great views. Would not hike again. Easy return trip in 40 minutes plus time to take pictures. A few mud holes and wet patches but nothing too difficult or impossible to get past. Trail was good, a little muddy in places. Trail on the Aquaforte side is very rough, with lots of rock hopping to avoid many many wet and muddy areas. This trail is not in great condition. It sure took us a full day to enjoy. After the campsites, the trail gets very wet, very slippery and uneven. Stunning scenery and fascinating geology. A half day won't allow you to stop anywhere - relax and take the time. we did the Spout hike (killer hike!) Part 2, 2015 Trip Reports from other members? Would not recommend this trail. Trail needs some maintenance. See majestic whales leap out of the water. Easy side of moderate and I thought the trail was well maintained. Hi! I thoroughly enjoyed every piece of this trail! Transport Canada certified safe operator. Lisa is a fantastic host and cook. Trail was washed out at Chance Cove (4.5km from Port Kirwan), couldnt cross to make it to the Sea Arch. We were the only ones there. Lines to straight and they dont keep to the actual trail. Everythings fairly open around the lighthouse which means lots of wind. Not worth it this time of year. If you plan to do this hike, leave early so there is lots of daylight to guide you. There is a couple of spots where there is no signage and it is easy to get confused! Very very muddy and rugged. Cant say enough good things about this B&B.. Ann & Lisa are the perfect hosts & so entertaining too! Take note that the campsite platforms are well past the sea arch if you're going this way. amazing view, steep cliffs to be careful of, not to many people around. muddy in a lot of parts. Still worth it though. Very easy & quite flat rocky trail. I hiked today, October 2, 2021 and wouldnt recommended trail. Multiple seal sightings and one whale sighting. Nice trail but grown in from time to time. We got about 1.5km in from the Calvert side and turned around. We have a little street patio where you can sit and read the morning paper over a steaming hot cup of gourmet coffee as you enjoy our delicious home cooked breakfasts.All standard at The Narrows B&B. General Advice required - 3 week trip May-June/2013. We should have turned around and hiked back the same route, however, we kept going onto the Aquaforte portion of the trail. Lots of broken boards and very muddy but worth the views! Very muddy and not well maintained waterproof hikers are highly recommended. The trail is a bit overgrown at all entrances, and is not well marked at some sections along the way. O'Brien's Boat Tours is an award winning, transport Canada Certified boat tour operator based out of Bay Bull's Newfoundland - a short 30 minute drive away and worth every kilometer.Renowned for it's iceberg viewings, it also boasts numerous sightings of atlantic puffins, whales and the breath taking scenery that is the shores of our rugged province.Relax and enjoy an Iceberg Beer or adventure out for wine and food tastings or bread and cheese at a quaint country inn.Just ask Ann and she'll set it all up for you. The trail is not always clearly marked on this side and can be misleading in dusk. So overgrown in places you basically have to push through the trees and hope you are still on trail. Theres a nice little beach if you follow the path to Deep Cove. Thank you and will definitely choose The Narrows for our next visit. The arch is stunning. We hiked from Port Kirwan to Aquaforte. Trail was very wet and muddy. Cant follow some of these lines due to they go through heavy brush and bogs. Enjoy! There are a lot of boards that have rotted away, the most dicey being stairs alongside a steep drop to the beach (Deep Cove section) which are washing away. Rated difficult, I'd rate it 3-3.5/5 for the avid hiker, 4 for more inexperienced. The Arch is spectacular, and in my opinion is the single greatest feature on the entire ECT. It is approximately 8 kms to get to the road from the campground. We hiked from Aquaforte to Port Kirwan. We did not get our feet wet, and the soft wooded trail was super comfortable to walk on. more, Newfoundland and Labrador Destination Experts. Good breakfast with our host, Ann. Stopped in Ferryland, went for lunch in Fermeuse, went off the main road to visit St. Shotts. St. Marys Battery Park to Gaskiers Trail, Fermeuse, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Saint Mary's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Renews-Cappahayden, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Port Kirwan, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. A few little blueberry patches along the way. A tidy little trail that has a bit of everything. We hiked back and took the road for a total of 9KMs (see recording). I would consider this an intermediate trail, not easy, based on some up and down sections and some rough parts. It's a pleasant enough trail otherwise. Started from the Port Kirwan side. I wouldnt recommend hiking much further then midway on the track as its fairly boring after about halfway way, unless you want to get to the lighthouse. I do not recommend it for novice hikers. When they setup the recorded trail to follow they should have not used a drone. Some sections of the trail are very enjoyable. Waterproof hikers are a must!! There are many streams along the way, including one really close to the campsites, that you can filter water from and have a drink. After Lowells check point its especially hard with a lot of fallen trees right now around 25. the Irish Loop is great if you like hikes and such. Waterproof hikers are a must as well as hiking poles. Definitely worth the drive. Berry Arch is a must see! Worth the pain. Some okay others difficult to get by. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-18998218', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');St John's, do the loop and come back? The poor state of boardwalks and lack of trail signs are why I didn't give this a higher rating. Very muddy and not marked. Just take a look right out your window at the famous Jellybean Row Houses of St. John's. We headed to the Irish Loop Coffee house after which made it a lovely drive, hike and meal on the southern shore. Beauty of a day! Rough trail not well maintained. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Ireland. Not very safe if you're a bit unsteady on your feet. Hurricane Larry has cause some down trees but they can be navigated around. Is it a 1/2 day or full day sort of trip? Worth doing a portion of the trail even if you dont have the time or energy to do the whole thing. Awesome trail wet but beautiful, and sea arch is worth hike, Beautiful views. Waterproof boots are a must on this trip. and La Manche and La Manche is a great hike with a great view (would say its moderately difficult). Location, delicious breakfasts, walking distance to downtown restaurants, shopping, attractions. Lovely lady. The first part of the trail has beautiful coastal views. The campsite is roughly 2.5 kms passed it on the Aquaforte side. Personally, I would schedule it as a full day tour. The last 8 km were relatively easy. Again, signage would be a real help here. The second part was amazing wooded trail, with old growth and meadows and marsh (with planks and rocks in place). You can walk out the front door and be right in the middle of it. Not that much of a bog fest. Beautiful coastal views and there were about half a dozen seals in Chance Bay. Had a picnic at the lighthouse before driving back to town. Lots of windfall on the southern section past the arch. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-19138242', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');st. John's for dinner. The hike around the school is odd, as others have mentioned but over quickly. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Whales and seals, tons of blueberries and blackberries. This area features rural living at it's finest yet is close enough to St. John's that it's easy to visit.Named after the Irish Loop and the welcoming, friendly people that live there, this room features high quality linens, down duvets, free television and wifi, private ensuite with multi-head glass shower with bench.All room pricing based on occupancy.Single: 150, Double: 175 CAD. The next week we visited the Trinity Area and sure liked the Irish loop better. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently.