Walk to Cei Ballast

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52.919731, -4.127835

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Hi I’m Lisa. Welcome to Islandeering I’m an islandeer, author and marine conservationist and passionate about sharing what I have learnt from my travels around the islands of the British Isles to help you find an adventure. I started the project 12 years ago after I had one of those light bulb moments and realised the pure magic that islands held for me. After meeting so many people on their island travels who shared my passion and told me that I must share my experiences so that others could do the same I set up Islandeering.com, where we are passionate about promoting responsible travel to our great British islands.
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Distance: 2.9 km
Difficulty: 2
Method: Walking
Wow Factor: 9 out of 10

Key Facts

  • Location: North Wales
  • Size: <1 hectare
  • Terrain: Tidal sands, rocky foreshore
  • Access: Tidal crossing
  • Height gain: 16 metres
  • Map: OS Explorer OL18
  • Starting point: Car park for Ffestiniog Railway, Harbour Station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF. Lat/Long 52.924382, -4.126708; GR SH 5712938448
  • Accommodation/food:

    Toilets and refreshments at Spooners grill, café and bar on the Ffestiniog Railway platform. All facilities available in Porthmadog itself.

  • Island Summary:

    Cei Ballast sits in almost compete secrecy in the northern reaches of the River Glaslyn only a hundred metres away from the bustling town of Porthmadog. It is a low-lying, shrub-filled island built only 200 years or so ago from the discarded ballast of ships.

  • Look out for:
    • Epic tidal crossing
    • Deep, warm pools to swim
    • Hunt for rocks from all over the world
    • Local brews at Purple Moose brewery
  • Route description:

    Drop down onto the sands from The Cob, cross a tidal stream, heads into the salt marsh, samphire beds and cockle-filled sands beyond. The walk then follows the rocky foreshore – a colourful mix of chalk, red granite, brick, limestone, industrial slag, flint and the occasional piece of patterned pottery. There is no other foreshore quite like it in Britain.

  • Getting there: