Aber Beach - Island and Estuary 6.5 km

Nice hike with Aber beach, dunes, island, and estuary, with opportunities for birdwatching, a sandy beach, views of the Baie de Douarnenez, a fort and a castle. This hike includes wading through the Aber River at a shallow spot (see waypoint ‘Ford through Aber River’), and cannot be easily done at high tide as both the Aber River is then likely too deep, and the access to the island is inundated. There is a parking lot at the start for access to the beach. There are no places to eat and drink on the route. You need sturdy shoes for the access to the island, but maybe some water shoes or bare feet to wade through the river. The rest of the hike is easy. Pay attention at the steep cliffs on Aber Island.
From the parking lot you first follow a path through the dunes, passing a few bunkers, and then you access the beach and walk east towards the Aber River. At the river estuary you turn slightly inland to search a place to wade through the river. The water got to my knees, but it also depends on the tide. On the other side you put back on your shoes to take the path up the small hill and then walk to the isthmus that connects the island Île de Aber with the main land at low tide. On the island is a path that takes you around the island with nice views of the Bay, and passing by the Fort de l’Aber (not accessible). You turn back the same way to the ford, and then continue inland along the Aber and the estuary to the road C8. You cross the road and walk around the ‘island’ Rozan with views of the marsh created by the Aber river, with birdwatching opportunities. At the northwest side are the remains of an old feudal castle. You walk to a viewing platform on top of the castle tower, and back. You then follow the C8 road on the dam across the estuary and two other roads to get back to the starting point.