We took a walk over Porthmadog Cob - Y Cob Porthmadog. Many of you will have driven it and looked out over the marshes but did you know that a few foot below that stone wall there is a fantastic pathway - cycleway? This area was created when The Cob was widened several years ago and provides a fantastic place to watch the wildlife on the Glaslyn Marshes and to catch a glimpse of the Glaslyn Osprey fishing when they are in residence (March-ish to September-ish).
The big black wall on the other side of the road blanks out the spectacular view of the estuary, marshes and out to sea.
It is possible to walk across The Cob alongside the railway line but, of course, you must be very aware of trains passing quite close to you, keep control of children (who may be frightened by how close the trains are) and dogs. Maybe check the train timetable and do this part of the walk between trains. The Cob is about a mile each way.
There is an ongoing project at The Boston Lodge Works which will enable them to be opened to the public for "behind the scenes" tours of the maintenance work that goes on at the Railway and to tell the story of the history.
We started our walk at the Boston Lodge end, crossing the road shortly after the old toll house and climbing the steps up to the railway level. It's quite obvious down on the ground.
Signal box between Harbour Station and Boston Lodge
Looking along the tracks to the Harbour Station platform.
Of course, as no walk is complete without cake, we stopped at Spooner's Cafe on the Harbour Station for a slice and a panad!
The halfway point. We crossed the road to Britannia Terrace and turned for home. Drop down onto The Cob footpath and cycle way just after the Premier Inn hotel
Stop a moment and take a look at the carving of William Madocks, the man who built The Cob and who gave his name to so much locally.
When there is no traffic passing on the road this is a beautifully peaceful walk. We were surrounded by the sounds of birds (and waterfowl), wind and water.
If you do this walk savor these moments. It was a rather grey day and the clouds were low otherwise we would've had a fantastic view of Cnicht (the Welsh Matterhorn - Google it and you'll see why), The Moelwynion mountains and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) plus its surrounding peaks.
We thought that we'd spotted an otter but it was a log (isn't it always) but there are otters in the area. We did see several egret (stood for 5 minutes watching one fishing in a pool on the seaside of The Cob), lots of oyster catchers, curlew and geese. Of course there were lots of birds which I'll lump together as "seagulls" but an expert would give you more information I'm sure. There are often swans and cormorants/shags on these marshes too.
This great "trailhead" greeted us as we approached the car. Two miles done - mostly level.
To do this walk either park in the lay by on the Minffordd side of The Cob, near to the old toll house and Boston Lodge - this is free but limited. Alternatively, park in Porthmadog - there's a big Pay and Display car park behind Wilko's.
This walk is about 20 minutes drive from Cadair View Lodge accommodation. Find out more about what we offer click the button below.