Here are a couple of maps and directions for the run:
The complete trail:
At Red Cliff don’t follow the above map but follow the trail to the radio tower – arrow on this map:
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zVMA1mShHZZM.kYiTiuRM33ug
The ECT is predominantly very easy to follow. Keep the coast on you left hand side.
Making the transition from each stage of the trail and back onto the trail is general easy; on exiting the ECT, turn left, travel down whichever road until the next ECT signpost. However, some road transfers are a bit more involved. We will (try) mark the correct roads to take using chalk the day before.
Details and exceptions (noted in bold) below:
Stage 1: Pouch Cove – Flatrock………………………….15.1 km
Stage 1a:Road………………………………………….1.1 km
Exit ECT turn left, run 1.1k and past pebbly beach veer left back onto ECT
Stage 2: Flatrock – Torbay……………………………..8.7 km
Make sure you run out to the split rock at the end of the Flatrock. No shortcuts.
About halfway along this section, the trail splits, there is a signpost; take the trail marked “Difficult” – we have found in trail running “Difficult” invariably means more fun and scenery. Careful on the cliff path. No falling off.
On approaching Torbay veer left toward the beach and across the bridge marked closed. You will follow the beach around and up the hill on the other-side of the bay to a little car park
Stage 2a: Road…………………………………………1.4 km Cross car park, go up Spray Lane, turn left, run along Marine Drive a bit, turn left onto Motion Drive. When Motion Drive splits take the right fork. Run up and around Motion Drive until you find the ECT sign is on left.
Stage 3: Torbay – Middle Cove…………………………. 2.4 km
Stage 3a: Road ……………………………………….2.9 km
Exit Middle Cove on the road, turn left and run up Marine Drive. It’s really steep and hard so this bit is extra fun. Follow Marine Drive up and around and along the coast past Outer Cove, turn left up Doran’s Lane. Run to the end of Doran’s Lane find ECT sign
Stage 4: Outer Cove – Red Cliff………………………….8.2 km
Just follow the path along the coast. You don’t need to go out to the point. But you can if you want.
When you arrive at Red Cliff there will be open ground with an old military building. Don’t take the road here. Continue on the trail until you reach the enormous radio tower. There will be a yellow caution sign on the left side of the trail, straight on says “view point”. Right says “trail to Red Cliff Road”. Turn right here towards the radio tower, pass between 2 old graffitied military buildings and take a narrow trail down some steps. It is steep (bit like the Death Race) and there are some roots and wires so be careful! The trail comes out on Red Cliff Road.
Stage 4a: Road…………………………………………3.5 km
Turn left at Red Cliff Rd. At end of Red Cliff Rd. turn left onto Marine Drive, follow Marine Drive, until Marine Lab Rd on left. Run down Marine Lab Rd., on arriving at the Marine Lab car park go toward the right hand end and find ECT trail head.
Stage 5: Logy Bay – Quidi Vidi…………………………..8.9 km
TO WALK THIS SECTION TAKES OVER 2 HRS WITH FRESH LEGS. IF IT IS PAST 15:30 THEN SERIOUSLY CONSIDER NOT CONTINUING AT THIS POINT, ELSE YOU COULD BE RUNNING IN THE DARK. THERE WILL BE PRACTICALLY ZERO MOONLIGHT ON THE 2nd NOVEMBER.
Run to pub.
This is where the fun really starts. Legs will be shot from the recent road running and the previous 40-odd km; this section is also the most challenging to run. You will be having a lot of fun now. Because of the enormous amount of fun during this stage you will probably question why you are doing this – just remember there is a bottle of beer and warm clothes at the end.
Last bit coming of the hill down into the Gut is hard to navigate I(guess who!) always end up in tuckamaore. Try to stick to the widest path.