Spurwink Island Path Hike in Newfoundland

One of the difficult sections of the East Coast Trail

A rugged section of the Spurwink Island Path

The East Coast Trail on the island of Newfoundland, runs from Cape St. Francis in the north to Cappahayden in the south, a distance of 265 kilometres. The trail follows the rugged coast via a series of 24 connected paths, each with its own northern and southern trailhead. The Spurwink Island Path is one of the 24 trails.

I joined a group of 18 people led by a volunteer from the East Coast Trail and hiked the Spurwink Island trail one June day under cloudy skies. It’s a must do hike if you’re in Newfoundland.

Most of the trailheads for the East Coast Trail are an easy drive away from St. John’s, so it’s possible to do them as a day trip, at least if you have a car shuttle.

The Spurwink Island Path – one of the difficult sections of the East Coast Trail

The Spurwink Island Path is one of the difficult sections that make up the East Coast Trail. The one way section of trail is 17 kilometres long. Although there aren’t huge ups and downs, it’s certainly what I would describe as rugged. 

Much of the trail is in the woods – which I never like as much as the full on coastal hiking experience. Fortunately, once we hit our lunch spot at the Berry Head sea arch (a real highlight on the trail), the trail became way more scenic.

And the hike was always interesting because of the conversations one had with a diverse group of people from all over the world. Anyone can join a weekend hike, if you’re prepared to sign a waiver. And for out of town visitors, there is always the option of carpooling out of St. John’s.

The Spurwink Island Path starts by the Aquaforte River near Hagan’s Hospitality Home. The southern trailhead is at the back of the church in Port Kirwan.

Here’s a look at what the Spurwink Island Path offers the hiker

The start of the Spurwink Path
The start of the Spurwink Path
A Hike on the Spurwink Island Path, East Coast Trail, Newfoundland
We’re a group of 19 led by volunteers
One of the lady slippers seen on the trail
One of the lady slippers seen on the trail
Pink rhododendrons (or are they azaleas?) coming into bloom
Pink rhododendrons (or are they azaleas?) coming into bloom
Gallows Cove at the 7.9 km mark
Gallows Cove at the 7.9 km mark
One of the 5 backcountry campsites along the length of the East Coast Trail
One of the 5 backcountry campsites along the length of the East Coast Trail
Much of the Spurwink Path hike is in the trees
Much of the Spurwink Path hike is in the trees
A Hike on the Spurwink Island Path, East Coast Trail, Newfoundland
South Head
Love the art work that goes with the signs
Love the art work that goes with the signs
The view to the north from the top of the Berry Head sea arch
The view to the north from the top of the Berry Head sea arch
Looking down on our lunch spot from the top of the Berry Head sea arch
Looking down on our lunch spot from the top of the Berry Head sea arch
A Hike on the Spurwink Island Path, East Coast Trail, Newfoundland
The hiker on top of the Berry Arch provides some scale
There's definitely a lot of us out hiking the Spurwink Island Trail
There’s definitely a lot of us out hiking the Spurwink Island Path
We're in for more coastal views as we continue past the sea arch on the Spurwink Island Path
We’re in for more coastal views as we continue past the sea arch on the Spurwink Island Path
A mid-afternoon break at Founder Cove
A mid-afternoon break at Founder Cove
Beautiful views from Grassy Point
Beautiful views from Grassy Point
A Hike on the Spurwink Island Path, East Coast Trail, Newfoundland
A stretch around Grassy Point
I'd never seen red pine-cones before
I’d never seen red pine-cones before
We're within spitting distance of the parking lot at this point
We’re within spitting distance of the parking lot at this point

Want to do the whole East Coast Trail?

It’s possible to hike the whole East Coast Trail over 10 – 14 days. Check out Trail Connections if you want help with organizing accommodation and trip logistics.

If you’re heading out even for just a day, go prepared for all kinds of weather. A pair of poles and gaiters comes in handy too.

For an offline hiking app I recommend Organic Maps.

Further reading on things to do in Newfoundland

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.

The Spurwink Island Path trail in Newfoundland

 

 

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