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Getting started

Follow the footpath along the top of the Cob one way and return along the cycle path below the road by the river. The higher path is okay for wheelchairs, but not possible to get down at the far end. The cycle path is a comfortable and interesting ride.

The Cob runs alongside the busy A487, and was built originally in 1812 by William Maddocks. In recent years it has been improved and widened. The 5p toll has also disappeared, and a cycle track has been constructed alongside it.

Flora and fauna

It's fascinating to see how the scree slopes of the Cob have now been colonised by wild flowers. There were plenty of the pretty 'pink sea thift', and we were surprised to find the 'yellow horned poppy' growing on the path edges.

The salt marsh area inland was created when the cob was constructed, and is an area rich in wild life. It is an important stop-over point for migrating birds, and an area watched closely by the Glaslyn Bird Group.

There is talk about improving this area for bird watchers, including the building of a new bird hide.

Murder and hangings

The construction of the Cob was a major engineering feat, which was beset by problems. Local legends have grown up surrounding some of the characters who worked on the project, including that of Thomas Edwards, Y Hwntw Mawr (the Great Southerner).

Edwards was disturbed by local girl Mari Jones while he was ransacking the farmhouse at Penrhyn Isaf. Caught red handed, he murdered her, and hid his plunder under a wall.

This was found, however and Edwards was captured when he returned to collect it. He was tried at the court at Dolgellau, found guilty and hanged. The body of Y Hwntw Mawr was donated to science.

The end of the road

When you have reached the end of the Cob, cross the road and head back towards Porthmadog along the brand new cycle path, part of the Sustrans Bicycle Network.

Enjoy the glorious views of Snowdonia, and when you arrive back at the town, treat yourself to another ice-cream.

This walk first appeared on Radio Wales, Weatherman Walking, series 2 in 2003.