Rockcut Trail System · Twillingate Island
Rockcut Trails
Twillingate’s backbone underfoot. From Spiller’s Cove to French Beach, Lower Head, and Nanny’s Hole, the Rockcut is how you feel the island through your legs, lungs, and line of sight.
Trail index
Choose your Rockcut route
Distances and times are approximate — the wind, footing, and how often you stop to stare at the coastline will change everything. Start with one route or link a few together into a full Rockcut day.
Spiller’s Cove Trail
A trail that feels like the island waking up — clifftop views,
storm-light, Boreal Chickadees riding the wind, and the classic
Spiller’s Cove sea stacks.
Signature trail
Best at storm edges
French Beach to Lower Head
Open Atlantic on one side, rugged barrens on the other. Long views,
seabirds working the wind, and that feeling of walking the outer edge
of the island.
Exposed sections
Check wind & fog
Nanny’s Hole & Sleepy Cove
Old mining traces, tucked-in coves, and moody light. A compressed,
high-impact outing when you don’t have a full day but want Rockcut
terrain underfoot.
Uneven footing
Historic interest
Sleepy Cove to Long Point (connector)
A future spine route stitching coves, barrens, and Long Point lighthouse
into one big day on the Rockcut.
Future link
Loop potential
Extensions & side routes
The Rockcut is still growing. Side routes into sheltered forest,
coastal inlets, and berry grounds will be mapped here as the system
evolves.
Work in progress
Locals’ knowledge
Planning your Rockcut day
The Rockcut is best treated like a living system, not a checklist. Check the
wind, watch the sky, and choose a route that fits both your legs and the day.
Check wind & visibility before committing to exposed headlands.
Give yourself extra time for photos and pauses.
Carry layers — conditions change fast on the outer coast.
Season & conditions
Shoulder seasons can be the most dramatic — storm-light, moving cloud,
birds feeding ahead of weather. Summer brings longer days and calmer footing.
Winter routes are for those who understand snow, ice, and changing grip.
Storm edges = best drama, more care needed.
Summer = longer loops, berries in season.
Winter = locals’ domain, traction essential.