MM E SUNDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER - FRIDAY 1ST OCTOBER - Isle of Man Event Services

 
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MM E SUNDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER - FRIDAY 1ST OCTOBER - Isle of Man Event Services
SUNDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY 1ST OCTOBER
                                             2021
                                                PROGRAMME
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If you enjoy walking, you’ll love Walk the Isle of Man! Whether you
are a seasoned hiker who knows the Island well, or you are here
for the first time to experience our magnificent landscapes and
spectacular coastlines, Walk the Isle of Man promises a feast of
sights and sounds, experiences and adventures, to treasure forever.

Our 2021 programme contains a superb choice of six walks on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and three pop-up walks on
Wednesday - covering a mixture of easy, moderate and moderate
plus routes - designed to appeal to all levels of walker. Simply
select one walk per day. You can scale up as the week goes on, or
take some days more leisurely than others. It’s entirely up to you.

Each walk will be led by experienced walk leaders. Please note, you
will be responsible for bringing your own food and refreshments.

ABOUT US
Walk The Isle of Man is organised by the Island’s leading events company,
Isle of Man Event Services, together with Go-Mann Adventures, which
is run by expert walking guide Dr Andrew Foxon. Andrew is a qualified
Isle of Man Tour Guide (Guild of Manx Registered Tour Guides) and a Hill
& Moorland Leader (Mountain Training Association) with a background
in archaeology & landscape history and a passion for the outdoors. The
programme has been put together with the help and support of the Manx
Footpaths Conservation Group. The perfect combination for our great
selection of walks!
We are supported by an experienced and capable team of Isle of Man-
based walk leaders, who know the Island intimately. You’ll be in safe and
knowledgeable hands throughout.
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WELCOME
Arrival: 7.30pm | Sunday 26th September 2021
Your rendezvous will be at The Palace Hotel, on the famous promenade in Douglas, which will be
hosting this year’s Welcome reception. The hotel, along with the nearby Ascot Hotel and a couple
of well-located B&Bs will provide your accommodation throughout the week.
During the introductory reception, you will have the chance to familiarise yourself with the routes
and meet your fellow walkers, walk leaders and supporters. Tea, coffee and snacks will be
provided.

FAREWELL RECEPTION
7pm | Friday 1st October 2021
Our farewell reception will provide the perfect opportunity to reconvene and reminisce.
Don’t miss it!
Farewell reception will be at the Palace Hotel and includes a hot buffet.
(just what’s required after a hard week’s walking!)

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
It couldn’t be simpler! All bookings associated with Walk the Isle of Man involving travel,
accommodation and activity packages are handled exclusively by the event organisers, Isle of Man
Event Services. We take care of everything. Please contact Sally Helwich, Isle of Man Event Services
Ltd, 15b The Village Walk, Avondale Road, Onchan, IM3 4EB
Contact Isle of Man Event Services Ltd on 01624 664460 or by email on info@iomevents.com
Walk the Isle of Man includes: A choice of quality accommodation, travel from your preferred port
or airport, walks on every day, transport card, guides, welcome & farewell sessions, support from
event organisers throughout the week.
For further information our range of services, go to: www.iomevents.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Walk the Isle of Man 2021.
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The Routes General information
• Walk the Isle of Man 2021 will take place between      • Outside the Palace Hotel on Central Promenade,
  Mon 27th September – Friday 1st October. There           there will be a gathering place for those who would
  will be a choice of 6 bookable walks on Monday,          like a local walker to escort them to these public
  Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday               transport start points, if they are unfamiliar. Please
  29th September you can choose to spend part of           ask for the gathering time for your walk if you wish
  the day sightseeing, have help to design a walk of       to take advantage of this service.
  your own or join one of our three afternoon and        • Most walks should reach their finishing points
  early evening pop-up walks ending with venues            before 16:00. In addition to the 3 Wednesday
  which provide optional catering and refreshments         walks, 4 other walks are expected to finish at or
  from fish & chips to pubs!                               after that time. An estimated finish time for each
                                                           walk is given at the end of each walk description.
• All walks must be booked in advance and there
                                                           Allowance should be made for subsequent travel
  will be a maximum number of 21 bookings for
                                                           time back to Douglas.
  each walk. Should the walk you wish to do not be
  available, we will try to offer other choices.         • The Isle of Man has great coastal, countryside,
                                                           glen and moorland walking. The weather in
• How to book: Contact Isle of Man Event Services          late September and early October can be very
  on 01624 664460 or Email info@iomevents.com              variable! We recommend that you wear walking
• All walks start and finish using public transport        boots with good ankle support and a good grip,
  and use the Go-Explore Card which gives free             layers of clothing appropriate for an Island with
  access to Isle of Man buses, steam trains, the           dynamic weather systems and bring waterproofs.
  Manx Electric Railway (MER) and the Snaefell             Traditional jeans or cotton are not recommended.
  Mountain Railway (SMR). Travel outwards on the           Walking poles can be a real help on some of the
  steam train, MER and SMR has been booked.                more exposed paths and slopes.
  Outward journeys by bus and all return journeys        • Please bring your own supplies of food and drink
  are not booked and options for those journeys will       for each day.
  be provided in advance of the event and supplied
                                                         • Some walks take place in remote areas where
  to your walk leaders and supporters.                     there are no toilet facilities, refreshment facilities
• Most of the walks use public transport departure         or shelters.
  times between 09:00 and 10:40. When departure          • Participating in a walk is at your own risk.
  is before this time, it is noted at the start of the     If you feel you have not enough information
  walk description.                                        about a walk or what to expect, please ask
• Please meet your walk leaders at the public              before booking. Booking for a walk is assumed
  transport start point for your route in plenty of        as consent that you are capable and ready to
  time for boarding and departure (Lord Street             undertake the walk concerned.
  Bus Station, Steam Railway Station, Derby Castle       • Please always follow the guidance of the
  Manx Electric Railway Station).                          walk leaders and supporters, keep behind
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the designated walk leader and in front of the         otherwise). Do not deviate from way-marked
  designated back marker. If you wish to leave the       footpaths.
  walk you must confirm this with the leader or
                                                       • If you have a relevant medical condition, or carry
  back marker.
                                                         medication with you, please advise the walk
• Walk leaders and supporters reserve the right          leaders and supporters. This can be done in
  to refuse participation to any walker if, in their     confidence and is important for your own safety on
  opinion, the walker is not safely or suitably          the walk and for their ability to handle any incident.
  attired, or would be unsuited to undertake the
                                                       • Dogs are not allowed on the walks which are part
  walk.
                                                         of this event because of the proximity of livestock
• Walk leaders and supporters have the final             and farmland.
  discretion to change the route of a walk if
                                                       • Local walk leaders, supporters, organisers and
  they feel it is necessary as a result of weather
                                                         participants may wish to take photographs during
  conditions, road and footpath closures, footpath
                                                         the walks and share these on social media and as
  conditions or other circumstances.
                                                         part of future publicity for the Isle of Man. If you
• On public roads, keep to the right (unless safety      do not wish your photograph to be taken, please
  and the guidance of the walk leaders dictates          advise the walk leader on each walk.
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Walk descriptions
and gradings:
                                   The following terms have been used to give a general grading and
                                   are supported by each walk description:

                                      Easy: Flatter or gently rolling landscape. Walking on paths,
                                      tracks and quiet country roads with average to good surfaces.
                                      Some walking on gentle slopes, sometimes with steps and stiles
                                      en route. Suitable for walkers who enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Located in the middle of the          Easy/Moderate: Varying landscape with more variety and slopes,
Irish Sea, the Isle of Man has        occasional short demanding slopes. Possible steps, stiles or
considerable variety in its           kissing gates. Sometimes coastal routes or near cliffs. Walked at
landscape which makes it              a relaxed pace with rest opportunities. Suitable for keen walkers
a real treat for walkers. We          who enjoy walking at a leisurely pace.
have coastal footpaths and
trails along ‘natural’ tracks         Moderate: Varying landscape with variety in paths and slopes.
& footpaths, countryside and          Occasional challenging slopes. Stiles, kissing gates or steps and
glen walks, as well as hill and       possible uneven paths in places. Suitable for keen walkers and
moorland paths, all influenced        anyone regularly active.
by a maritime climate. Some           Moderate Plus: Challenging walk because of height gained
of the routes we use include          and/or distance covered over rough countryside. Suitable for
stretches of farm track, quiet        experienced walkers who are fit and active. Expect possible steep
country roads or road walking.        slopes, narrow and uneven paths with stiles and kissing gates.
The ground we will walk on can
be rough and uneven and can        We offer one Easy walk, one Easy/Moderate walk, two or three
change quickly in the course of    Moderate walks and one or two Moderate Plus walks on each of
a single walk.                     the four main walking days (Monday 27th Sept, Tuesday 28th Sept,
                                   Thursday 30th Oct, Friday 1st Oct). The three walks starting on the
The walk descriptions below        afternoon of Wednesday 29th Sept are Easy and Easy/Moderate.
give an idea of where each
walk goes, how far it is, how      NB: Please be aware that most walks begin and finish on public
much height is gained along        transport. Additional time should be allowed to walk or travel from
the route, a rough indication of   your accommodation to the public transport start point for your
timing, what we may see and        walk and to return to your accommodation after the walk. Please
what to expect.                    ask for further details or advice if required.
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Monday 27th September
    Monday A – Easy

Wobbly Strata and maybe
Minkes: Port Soderick to
Douglas via Marine Drive
7.5 km/4.5 miles. Height gained
180m/590 feet. About 3 hours
walking.
Description: Linear coastal walk
along the east coast of the Island
on part of the Raad ny Foillan/Way
of the Gull long distance coastal
footpath, mostly on quiet country
roads from Port Soderick to
Douglas.                               What to expect: After Port             southwest of the Island and rated
We take the 09:50 steam train          Soderick Glen, the route is mainly     as one of the best coastal walks
from Douglas Railway Station           on the tarmacked surfaces of           around the Irish Sea. Walked by
(booked) to Port Soderick Station,     Marine Drive with gentle inclines      Clare Balding in ‘Ramblings’!
then walk through Port Soderick        and drops. Multiple steps at Port      Explore part of the Raad ny Foillan/
Glen, one of the Island’s National     Soderick. Estimated finish time at     Way of the Gull long distance
Glens, to Port Soderick Bay. After     Douglas harbour for walk is 13:10.     coastal footpath. Linear walk from
a steep stepped rise out of the bay,                                          Port St Mary to the Sound.
we join ‘Marine Drive’ and walk                                               We take the bus from Douglas
                                           Monday B – Easy/Moderate
back to Douglas Head and Douglas                                              to Port St Mary (not booked)
on foot along the line of the former   (also available as Thursday B.         and walk along the spectacular
tramway exploring Douglas Head         Extended version to Port Erin          coastal cliffs and bays round the
as we return on foot to Douglas        available as Tuesday C and Friday C)   southwest corner of the Isle of
harbour.                                                                      Man past the geological fissures
                                       Cliffs, Choughs and
What we may see: Woodland                                                     known as the Chasms and by two
wildlife, coastal sea birds            Chasms: Port St Mary to                Iron Age promontory forts to the
(choughs, gulls, ravens, peregrine     the Sound                              Sound, overlooking the Calf of Man
falcons), coastal plants, geology,                                            and Kitterland. A bus is available
sea mammals if we are lucky (in
                                       8 km/5 miles. Height gained
                                                                              from the Sound to Port Erin for
2019 there were minke whales!),        180/590 feet. About 4 hours            return to Douglas by steam train
cliff and coastal views, views         walking.                               (not booked) or bus (not booked).
over Douglas and Douglas Bay,          Description: One of the Island’s       Recommended outward transport
memorials on Douglas Head.             favourite coastal walks in the         times and options for return to
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be provided when timetables are       cream or cuppa. Options to travel    Mountain Road TT course and rise
confirmed.                            back to Douglas by Manx Electric     onto the slope of Clagh Ouyr, from
What we may see: Coastal wildlife,    Railway or bus. Recommended          where we follow the contours and
sea birds, gulls, choughs, ravens,    outward transport times and          gradually descend through open
grey seals at the Sound. Geology.     options for return to be provided    moorland and rough grazing to a
Iron Age promontory forts.            when timetables are confirmed.       quiet country road. We head north
                                      What we may see: Ramsey              towards Ramsey with views over
What to expect: Mostly natural
                                      town, TT course, wooded glens,       the northern plain and visit the
footpath along the coast and cliff,
                                      woodland birds and plants, Albert    Albert Tower, commemorating the
moorland areas, rocky surfaces.
                                      Tower (built 1848) and views over    visit of Prince Albert in 1847 and
Café and toilets at the Sound.
                                      the north of the Island. Sandy       follow paths and roads into Ramsey
Estimated finish time for walk at
                                      beach and sea birds, Queen’s Pier,   for a return to Douglas by bus
the Sound is 14:20.
                                      working and historic harbour.        (not booked) or the Manx Electric
                                                                           Railway (not booked). Options for
    Monday C - Moderate               What to expect: Glen and
                                                                           return transport to be provided
                                      woodland walks, with a steepish
                                                                           when timetables are confirmed.
The Albert Tower Amble:               rise near the beginning through
                                      Elfin Glen. Starting and finishing   What we may see: Moorland
Ramsey Glens and Albert                                                    wildlife, ravens, hen harriers,
                                      on urban roads and a sandy beach.
Tower                                 Estimated finish time for the walk   mining remains, Albert Tower,
                                      at Ramsey 14:10.                     Ramsey and Ramsey Harbour
9.5 km/6 miles. Height gained
160 m/525 feet. About 3.5 hours                                            What to expect: Open hill and
                                          Monday D - Moderate              moorland walking, mostly
walking.
                                                                           downhill. Estimated finish time for
Description: Mainly woodland and                                           walk at Ramsey 16:00.
upland circular walk on footpaths,    Summit to Sea: Snaefell to
starting and finishing in the town    Ramsey via Corrany Valley
of Ramsey.
                                                                               Monday E - Moderate
                                      13 km/8 miles. Height gained
We take the bus (not booked) to       150 m/490 feet. About 5 hours        The Battle of Sky Hill:
Ramsey and then walk along part
of the famous TT course through
                                      walking.                             Ramsey to Ramsey via Sky
Parliament Square and parts of        Description: Linear hill walk over   Hill
Ramsey. We then enjoy some            open moorland and tracks in the
                                      northeast of the Island, mostly      13 km/8 miles. Height gained
woodland walking which leads into
                                      downhill then quiet country roads    210 m/689 feet. About 4.5 hours
Elfin Glen and to the Albert Tower,
                                      and footpaths leading down from      walking.
stopping en route for panoramic
views of the North of the Island.     the northern hills into Ramsey.      Description: Circular inland glen,
From the Albert Tower, we drop        We take the 09:40 Manx Electric      plantation and moorland walk,
down to the Ballure Reservoir,        Railway (booked) from Derby          beginning and ending in Ramsey.
through woods to the coast at         Castle, Douglas to Laxey and         We take the bus from Douglas to
Ramsey Bay where we follow the        change onto the Snaefell Mountain    Ramsey (not booked) and then on
beach under the Queens Pier (high     Railway (booked) to the top of       to Milntown on the outskirts of
tide 10:14) and back to Market        Snaefell. We then walk down          Ramsey to begin our walk along
Place, Ramsey for a beer, ice         the side of Snaefell to cross the    Glen Auldyn road, before climbing
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up through the plantation of Sky           Monday F – Moderate Plus          open, rough grazing and moorland
Hill. We explore the top perimeter                                           down the side of Snaefell to the
of Sky Hill before walking down        Mysterious Tholtans:                  plantations around Tholt-e-Will
onto the Millennium Way and a          Snaefell to Ballaugh via              Glen and explore the remains
memorial for the Battle of Sky                                               of abandoned farmsteads and
                                       Killabrega                            cottages (tholtans) at Sharragh
Hill (1079). Our return to Ramsey
takes us behind the golf course        16 km/10 miles. Height gained         Vane, Craig Mooar and Killabrega.
and Milntown towards Crossags          210 m/688 feet. About 5.5 hours       Crossing over the Druidale Road
and Claughbane. A lovely walk          walking.                              and a stretch of moorland, we
with some super views. Return to       NB: Early start! This walk will       head northwest and downhill
                                                                             through Ballaugh Plantation to
Douglas by Manx Electric Railway       require the 08:40 Manx Electric
                                                                             a welcome refreshment stop
or bus (not booked). Recommended       Railway from Derby Castle,
                                                                             in Ballaugh. Return to Douglas
outward transport times and            Douglas.
                                                                             by bus (not booked) via Peel or
options for return to be provided      Description: A great mix of           Ramsey. Recommended options
when timetables are confirmed.         moorland, plantation and quiet        for return to be provided when
What we may see: Glen and              country road walking exploring        timetables are confirmed.
plantation birds and wild plants,      tholtans (abandoned farmsteads
                                       and cottages) as we travel on this    What we may see: Hill and
extensive views from Sky Hill over                                           moorland wildlife, ravens, hen
                                       linear route through the Island’s
the north of the Island to Scotland                                          harriers, hares, plantations.
                                       northwest hills.
and Cumbria. Battle of Sky Hill
                                       We take the 08:40 Manx Electric       What to expect: Hill and moorland
memorial. Milntown House.
                                       Railway tram (booked) from Derby      walk over rough grazing and
What to expect: Quiet country          Castle, Douglas to Laxey and          moorland, plantation trails and a
road, plantation paths and tracks      change to the Snaefell Mountain       small amount of quiet country road
steadily uphill and downhill, gentle   Railway (booked) to travel the        walking. Steep slopes down and
footpaths. Estimated finish time       easy way to the top of Snaefell       up. Estimated finish time for walk
for walk at Ramsey 14:45.              (621 m/ 2034 feet). We then cross     at Ballaugh 15:30.

Tuesday 28th september
    Tuesday A - Easy                   Description: Linear woodland          follow paths and a quiet country
                                       walk in the northeast of the Island   lane through woodland to the
Babbling Glens:                        through Glen Mona and Ballaglass      coast at Port Cornaa, then head up
Glen Mona to Cornaa Halt               Glen on footpaths and quiet           the other side of the Cornaa Valley
via Ballaglass Glen                                                          to one of the nicest wooded glens
                                       country lanes.
                                                                             in the Island – Ballaglass Glen.
6.5 km/4 miles. Height gained          We take the 09:40 Manx Electric       On the way, we pass industrial
100 m/328 feet. About 3 hours          Railway (booked) from Derby           archaeological heritage from
walking.                               Castle, Douglas to Glen Mona and      mining, milling and manufacturing.
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We return to Douglas by the Manx       riverside through Groudle Glen,          along the spectacular coastal cliffs
Electric Railway from Cornaa Halt/     one of the Island’s National Glens       and bays round the southwest
Cornaa International! (not booked).    and towards Molly Quirk’s Glen,          corner of the Isle of Man past
Options for return transport to        returning by the railway station for     the geological fissures known as
be provided when timetables are        the Groudle Glen Railway to the          the Chasms and by two Iron Age
confirmed.                             coast, with a possible visit to the      promontory forts to the Sound,
What we may see: Rich lane-side        sealion cages. Return to Douglas         overlooking the Calf of Man and
verges, woodland wildlife, shingle     on foot or on the Manx Electric          Kitterland, then continue up the
beach and coastal wildlife at          Railway (not booked). Options for        west coast to Port Erin Bay and
Port Cornaa, ‘bellite’ explosives      return transport to be provided          Port Erin. Return by steam train
                                       when timetables are confirmed.           (not booked) or bus (not booked) to
works, mills and mining remains,
                                       What we may see: Shingle beach,          Douglas. Recommended outward
Ballaglass Glen.
                                       wooded glen and woodland                 transport times and options
What to expect: Gently sloping                                                  for return to be provided when
quiet country lanes and footpaths.     wildlife, wetland plants, Groudle
                                                                                timetables are confirmed.
Estimated finish time for walk at      Glen Railway.
                                       What to expect: Glen walking on a        What we may see: Coastal wildlife,
Cornaa Halt 13:20.
                                       range of path surfaces. Estimated        sea birds, gulls, choughs, ravens,
                                                                                grey seals at the Sound. Geology.
    Tuesday B – Easy/Moderate          finish time for walk at Groudle 14:30.
                                                                                Iron Age promontory forts.
                                            Tuesday C - Moderate                What to expect: Mostly natural
Victorian Wonders:
                                                                                footpath along the coast and cliff,
Groudle Glen                               (also available as Friday C.         moorland areas, rocky surfaces.
8 km/5 miles. Height gained                Shorter version stopping             Café and toilets at the Sound.
60 m/196 feet. About 3.5 hours             at the Sound available as            Estimated finish time for walk at
walking.                                   Monday B and Thursday B)             Port Erin 15:20.
Description: Circular walk with        Southern Coastal                             Tuesday D - Moderate
a coastal start then through an        Splendours: Port St Mary
inland glen, returning to the coast.
                                       to Port Erin via the Sound               A Fort, A Lighthouse and
We take the 10:40 Manx Electric
Railway (booked) from Derby            12 km/7.5 miles. Height gained           a Castle: Ballasalla to
Castle, Douglas for a short            270 m/886 feet. About 5 hours            Castletown via Langness
journey to Groudle and start our       walking.                                 13 km/8 miles. Height gained
walk at the beach. We follow the       Description: One of the Island’s         110 m/360 feet. About 5 hours
                                       favourite linear coastal walks in the    walking.
                                       southwest of the Island and rated as     Description: Linear coastal and
                                       one of the best coastal walks around     riverside walk in the south of the
                                       the Irish Sea. Walked by Clare           Island, mostly following part of the
                                       Balding in ‘Ramblings’! Explore part     Raad ny Foillan/Way of the Gull
                                       of the Raad ny Foillan/Way of the        long distance coastal footpath but
                                       Gull long distance coastal footpath.     also some riverside walking.
                                       We take the bus from Douglas to          We take the 09:50 steam train
                                       Port St Mary (not booked) and walk       (booked) from Douglas Railway
Station to Ballasalla and then                                                    Tuesday F – Moderate Plus
head through the outskirts of the
village to reach the coast next to                                            Trust us, the views are
Ronaldsway airport. The route                                                 worth it: Ballafesson to
then follows the coast through                                                Colby via Cronk ny Arrey Laa
Derbyhaven, onto the long
                                                                              16 km/10 miles. Height gained
peninsula of Langness and the
little rocky outcrop of St Michael’s                                          570 m/1870 feet. About 6 hours
Isle with its chapel and Civil War     the Island’s highest peak and then     walking.
fort. We head south on the rugged      on moorland paths and tracks to        NB: Early start! This walk will
east side of Langness and back         Laxey village.                         require a bus departing from
through the bird reserve and ASSI      We take the 10:10 Manx Electric        Douglas between 08:51 (Douglas
at Sandwick round the bay to           Railway tram (booked) from Derby       Promenade) and 09:10 (Lord St).
Castletown, the Island’s former        Castle, Douglas to Laxey and           Description: Mix of hill walking over
capital. Return to Douglas by bus or   change to the Snaefell Mountain        open moorland and rural footpaths
steam train (not booked). Options      Railway (booked) to travel the easy    and quiet country roads in the south
for return transport to be provided    way to the top of Snaefell (621 m/     west of the Island. Linear walk.
when timetables are confirmed.         2034 feet). We then cross open         We take the bus (not booked) to
What we may see: Limestone and         rough grazing and moorland on          Ballafesson and head onto the hills
volcanic rock, coastal wildlife,       tracks down the side of Snaefell       through Surby, joining a stretch
sea birds, gulls, choughs, ravens,     to cross the Mountain Road             of the Raad ny Foillan/Way of the
salt marsh species, ducks,             (route of the famous TT motor          Gull long distance footpath to rise
waders, herons, 12th/13th century      racing course). After rising up        to the peak of Cronk ny Arrey Laa
chapel, Civil War fort, Langness       the shoulder near Clagh Ouyr, we       (437 metres/1434 feet). We take a
lighthouse, Castle Rushen.             take a track which skirts Slieau       different route from the summit
What to expect: Coastal and            Lhean and then drops through           and head for the Sloc and then a
riverside walking on open ground,      pastureland to the village of Laxey    mix of tracks, footpaths and quiet
footpaths and quiet country roads      and time to look at the harbour,       country roads which lead through
mainly on the flat. Estimated finish   the Laxey Visitor Centre or the        Ballakilpheric and Colby Glen to
time for walk at Castletown 15:30.     Great Laxey Wheel. Return to           Colby. Return to Douglas by bus or
                                       Douglas by bus or Manx Electric        steam train. Recommended options
    Tuesday E - Moderate               Railway. Recommended options           for return to be provided when
                                       for return to be provided when         timetables are confirmed.
Winding our Way to Laxey:              timetables are confirmed.              What we may see: Hill and
Snaefell to Laxey via Slieau           What we may see: Hill and              moorland wildlife, ravens, hen
                                       moorland wildlife, ravens, hen         harriers, hares. Extensive views over
Lhean                                                                         the south and west of the Island.
                                       harriers, hares.
10.5 km/6.5 miles. Height              What to expect: Mainly hill and        What to expect: Partly hill and
gained 80 m/263 feet. About 4          moorland walk over rough grazing       moorland walk over rough grazing
hours walking.                         and moorland, track walking            and moorland, then rural tracks
Description: Downhill linear           through pastureland. Pavements         and paths through pasture and a
walk over open moorland in the         in Laxey on arrival. Estimated         final glen walk. Estimated finish
northeast of the Island, starting at   finish time for walk at Laxey 15:30.   time for walk at Colby 16:00.
Wednesday 29th september
During the morning and early afternoon you can spend your time sightseeing, visit a historical site, or
go for an independent walk before joining one of our pop-up walks below.

    Wednesday                                 Wednesday Supper Walk                     Wednesday
    Supper Walk A - Easy                      B – Easy/Moderate                         Supper Walk C - Easy

The Crosby Pub: Crosby to                Fish and chip supper by the                Fish and chip supper on
Crosby via the King’s Forest             sea in Peel: Peel Castle,                  the Prom in Onchan:
6.5 km/4 miles. Height gained            Peel Hill and back to Peel                 Douglas Prom via
300 m/984 feet. About 2.5 hours          Promenade                                  Summerhill Glen and
walking.                                                                            Onchan Head to Port Jack
                                         6.5 km/4 miles. Height gained
Description: A circular walk along                                                  6.5 km/4 miles. Height gained
                                         150 m/492 feet. About 2.5 hours
the old Douglas-Peel railway line,                                                  100 m/328 feet. About 2.5 hours
                                         walking.
then up into the King’s Forest                                                      walking.
Plantation and back to Crosby with       Description: A circular walk from Peel
                                         Castle over Peel Hill and back the easy    Description: For those who want
an appetite!
                                         way to Peel Promenade and time for         to start and finish in the Douglas
We take the bus from Douglas to          fish and chips! We take the bus from       and Onchan area and end with fish
Crosby (not booked) and follow           Douglas to Peel (not booked) – or meet     and chips at Port Jack, Onchan. A
the line of the old steam railway        you in Peel beside Peel Castle – to        circular stroll for those who want to
westwards from Crosby. Crossing          head past Fenella Beach and onto           be around the capital!
the TT course, we head northwards        Peel Hill with views over Peel and the     We start from outside the Palace
into King’s Forest (Greeba               west of the Island. We pass Corrin’s
                                                                                    Hotel, Central Promenade and walk
Plantation) and take a circular walk     Tower and then drop down past
                                                                                    northwards to Summerhill Glen,
through the plantation returning to      Knockaloe Farm to the old railway line
                                                                                    a lovely themed urban glen. This
Crosby and the Crosby Pub. Return        from Peel to Douglas for a return to
                                                                                    leads us into Onchan village and
to Douglas by bus (not booked).          Peel Promenade and a range of places
                                         to eat and drink. Return to Douglas        short tour of this community before
Recommended options for return                                                      we head for the coast at Port Jack
to be provided when timetables are       by bus (not booked). Recommended
                                         options for return to be provided when     and the Port Jack chippy with great
confirmed.                                                                          views over Douglas Bay. Stroll back
                                         timetables are confirmed.
What we may see: Inland birds and                                                   downhill on the coast to Douglas
                                         What we may see: Peel Castle, Peel
wildlife, plantations, views over the    Hill, Corrin’s Tower, coastal and          Promenade.
centre and south of the Island. The      upland birds and plants, Knockaloe         What we may see: Beach wildlife,
Crosby pub is on the TT course.          Farm and former internment camp,           Summerhill Glen, Onchan village, Port
What to expect: Low level start on       Glenfaba mill, Peel Promenade.             Jack and views over Douglas bay.
an old railway line track, then rising   What to expect: Open rising hill paths     What to expect: Mostly on urban
on plantation tracks and back to the     at the start, returning on quiet country   pavements with paths through
village of Crosby. Estimated finish      tracks and paths. Estimated finish time    Summerhill Glen. Estimated finish
time for walk at Crosby Pub 18:00.       for walk at Peel Promenade 18:00.          time for walk at Port Jack 18:30.
thursday 30th september
    Thursday A - Easy

Volcanoes and Vikings:
Castletown circular via
Scarlett Head
8 km/5 miles. Height gained
50 m/164 feet. About 3.5 hours
walking.
Description: An exploration of
coastal geology and archaeology
in a ‘Volcanoes and Vikings’
circular walk in the southeast of
the Island.
We take the 09:50 Steam Railway      What we may see: A wealth of        Description: One of the Island’s
from Douglas Railway Station         geology, archaeology, coastal and   favourite linear coastal walks
(booked) to Castletown Station       limestone plants and birdlife.      in the southwest of the Island
and then walk along a stretch of     What to expect: Coastal track,      and rated as one of the best
the Silverburn to medieval Castle    stiles, footpath and open fields    coastal walks around the Irish
Rushen and Castletown Bay. As        with one stretch of quiet country   Sea. Walked by Clare Balding in
we head west onto Scarlett Head,     road. Estimated finish time for     ‘Ramblings’! Explore part of the
we move from limestone rocks to      walk at Castletown 14:15.           Raad ny Foillan/Way of the Gull
ones of volcanic origin and round                                        long distance coastal footpath.
a headland with WWII defences,                                           We take the bus from Douglas
                                         Thursday B –
Iron Age and early Christian sites                                       to Port St Mary (not booked)
                                         Easy/Moderate
and the place where stone for                                            and walk along the spectacular
some of the steps in St Paul’s           (also available as Monday B.    coastal cliffs and bays round the
Cathedral were quarried. At              Extended version to Port Erin   southwest corner of the Isle of
Chapel Hill, Balladoole we see the       available as Tuesday C and      Man, past the geological fissures
sites of a bronze age burial, an         Friday C)                       known as the Chasms and by two
Iron Age fort, an early Christian                                        Iron Age promontory forts to the
chapel and a Viking ship burial,     Cliffs, Choughs and                 Sound, overlooking the Calf of Man
before returning to Castletown       Chasms: Port St Mary to             and Kitterland. A bus is available
past the ‘witches mill’. Return to   the Sound                           from the Sound to Port Erin for
Douglas by bus (not booked) or                                           return by steam train (not booked)
steam train (not booked). Options    8 km/5 miles. Height gained         or bus (not booked) to Douglas.
for return to be provided when       180/590 feet. About 4 hours         Recommended outward transport
timetables are confirmed.            walking.                            times and options for return to
be provided when timetables are       We take the bus from Douglas to     with a steep ascent and descent.
confirmed.                            Crosby (not booked) and follow a    Estimated finish time for walk at
What we may see: Coastal wildlife,    stretch north of the Millennium     Crosby 15:00.
sea birds, gulls, choughs, ravens,    Way long distance footpath, then
grey seals at the Sound. Geology.     head up onto open moorland to           Thursday D - Moderate
Iron Age promontory forts.            reach the summits of Slieau Roy
                                      (479 m/1572 feet) and Greeba        West Coast Wonders: Peel
What to expect: Mostly natural
                                      Mountain (422 m/1384 feet).
footpath along the coast and cliff,
                                      From these heights, we drop         – Knockaloe – Glen Maye –
moorland areas, rocky surfaces.                                           Peel Hill
                                      down through plantation (the
Café and toilets at the Sound.        King’s Forest) and return past
Estimated finish time for walk at                                         13.5 km/8.5 miles. Height
                                      St Trinian’s medieval chapel to
the Sound 14:20.                      Crosby for a return to Douglas by
                                                                          gained 420 m/1378 feet. About
                                      bus (not booked). Recommended       5 hours walking.
    Thursday C - Moderate             outward transport times and         Description: A great mix of inland
                                      options for return to be provided   and coastal walking in the west
King of the Mountain:                 when timetables are confirmed.      of the Island on this circular walk
Crosby to Crosby via                  What we may see: Open country       beginning and finishing in Peel, the
Greeba Mountain                       with farmland, moorland and         main harbour on the west coast.
                                      plantation. Views from Slieau Roy   We take the bus (not booked)
13 km/8 miles. Height gained          and Greeba Mountain. Moorland       to Peel Harbour then follow the
470 m/ 1542 feet. About 4.5           wildlife and local folklore for     quayside and old railway line
hours walking.                        Greeba Mountain and St Trinian’s    before heading to Knockaloe (the
Description: Circular moorland        Chapel.                             site of a massive WWI internment
and plantation walk in the centre     What to expect: Some road           camp) and Holy Trinity Church,
of the Island.                        walking but mainly hill paths       Patrick. We head up a quiet
country lane and join upland            We take the bus from Douglas to          Douglas Lord St B at 08:02.
tracks, which lead to the lovely        the Wildlife Park (not booked), then     Description: A great treat for
national glen of Glen Maye and its      follow the line of the old Northern      those who like moorland and hill
spectacular waterfall. Our route        Manx Railway eastwards to Sulby          walking, this linear route goes over
then joins the Raad ny Foillan/Way      to climb Cronk Sumark/Primrose           some of the northern hills from the
of the Gull long distance coastal       Hill, a hillfort with great views        northwest coast at Kirk Michael to
footpath, for our return to Peel        over the north of the Island. Using      the east coast at Laxey.
past the ‘Happy Hikers’ memorial,       quiet country roads, we head for
                                                                                 We take the bus from Douglas to
the top of Peel Hill, Peel Castle       Ballaugh Curragh, a unique wetland
                                                                                 the Kirk Michael (not booked) and
and Peel harbour, for a return          environment on the Isle of Man,
                                                                                 head for the beach to begin our
to Douglas by bus (not booked).         recognised as being of international
                                                                                 walk at sea level. Passing through
Recommended outward transport           importance. Boardwalk trails
                                                                                 Kirk Michael, we follow the Baltic
times and options for return to         lead through this extraordinary
                                                                                 Road to the top of Slieau Curn and
be provided when timetables are         landscape and our route provides
                                                                                 then to Druidale and down to Sulby
confirmed.                              the opportunity to look for red-
                                                                                 Reservoir. Our next stretch takes
What we may see: Coastal,               necked wallabies who now live wild
                                                                                 us to the Bungalow (on the famous
riverside and inland wildlife, WWI      in this area. We walk to Ballaugh
                                                                                 TT course) and then into the
internment heritage, church,            for a return to Douglas. Options for
                                                                                 Laxey Glen via Agneash village to
waterfall, mining remains, 19th         return transport to be provided when
                                                                                 Laxey village and the beach on the
century tower, Peel Castle and          timetables are confirmed.
                                                                                 Island’s east coast. Return to Laxey
harbour                                 What we may see: Wetland plants,         village for bus or Manx Electric
What to expect: Riverside, inland,      birds and animals, red-necked            Railway to Douglas. Options for
glen and coastal walk on footpaths      wallabies, hillfort and views over the   return transport to be provided
and quiet country tracks. Two           north of the Island.                     when timetables are confirmed.
steeper rises. Estimated finish         What to expect: Mostly on flat           (Option to reduce length of route
time for walk at Peel 15:20.            ground on quiet country roads,           by taking the Snaefell Mountain
                                        tracks and boardwalks, with one          Railway from the Bungalow to
     Thursday E - Moderate              steep rise to the top of Cronk           Laxey, or by stopping in Laxey
                                        Sumark. Estimated finish time for        without heading for Laxey Bay.
Where’s Wallaby?: Wildlife              walk at Ballaugh 15:00.                  What we may see: Coastal wildlife
Park to Ballaugh via                                                             at the beginning and end, but
Ballaugh Curragh                             Thursday F –                        mainly moorland birds and plants
                                             Moderate Plus                       for most of the route – ravens,
13 km/8 miles. Height gained                                                     hen harriers, kestrels. Snaefell
100 m/328 feet. About 4.5 hours         Coast to Coast: Kirk                     Mountain Railway. Mining heritage
walking.                                Michael to Laxey                         at Snaefell mine, Agneash and
Description: Linear walk exploring                                               Laxey. Laxey harbour.
the Ballaugh Curraghs: a RAMSAR         17.5 km/11 miles. Height gained          What to expect: Mostly hill and
convention wetland area and home        660 m/2165 feet. About 7 hours           moorland walking on footpaths and
to red-necked wallabies living wild.    walking.                                 tracks, with some quiet country
For those that like a bit of a view,    NB: Early start! This walk will          road and track walking. Estimated
there’s a hillfort thrown in as well!   require a bus departing from             finish time for walk at Laxey 16:10.
Friday 1st October
    Friday A - Easy

Roll Down the Barrel:
St John’s to Peel Hill via
Tynwald Hill
9.5 km/6 miles. Height gained
180 m/590 feet. About 4 hours
walking.
Description: Inland low-level
linear walk in the west of the
Island, leading to the west coast
and to Peel and Peel Castle over
Peel Hill.
We take the bus (not booked) from
Douglas to St John’s and have
time to explore the Royal Chapel
of St John’s and Tynwald Hill – the
Norse outdoor assembly site used       Castle, Peel harbour, Cathedral     mining and farming landscape on
for over a thousand years. We          and museums.                        quiet country roads and footpaths
follow the line of the old railway     What to expect: Easy initial        around Laxey in the east of the
track and river westwards and          walking on flat route of former     Island on this circular walk, with
then gradually rise up the slope of    railway, then gradual rise onto     views to the hills and over Laxey
Peel Hill with views over the Island   Peel Hill on moorland footpaths     Bay.
from Corrin’s tower and Peel Hill,     and drop to Peel harbour.           We take the 10:10 Manx Electric
before descending to Peel Castle       Estimated finish time for walk at   Railway (booked) from Derby
and Peel itself with its harbour,      Peel 14:15.                         Castle, Douglas to Laxey and then
promenade, Cathedral and                                                   walk by the river past the Great
museums. Return to Douglas by                                              Laxey Wheel (the largest working
bus (not booked). Recommended              Friday B – Easy/Moderate
                                                                           waterwheel in the world) and the
outward transport times and                                                industrial archaeology of lead and
options for return to be provided      Echoes of a Mining Past:
                                                                           zinc mining. The steep country
when timetables are confirmed.         Laxey to Laxey via Agneash          road leads to Agneash village
What we may see: St John’s and                                             and more mining heritage and
                                       8 km/5 miles. Height gained
Tynwald historic sites, riverside                                          then over open fields and quiet
and wetland wildlife, mill, hill and   260 m/853 feet. About 3.5 hours     country tracks to the two Neolithic
coastal wildlife, grey seals near      walking.                            chambered tombs of King Orry’s
Peel Castle, Corrin’s Tower, Peel      Description: Explore the rich       Grave. We then walk down to Laxey
Harbour and Laxey Bay and up by                                               Description: A mainly moorland
the river, back to Laxey Station.                                             linear walk in the east of the Island
Return to Douglas by bus (not                                                 with great views on a clear day.
booked) or Manx Electric Railway                                              We take the 10:10 Manx Electric
(not booked). Options for return                                              Railway from Douglas to Dhoon
transport to be provided when                                                 Glen (booked) and then follow part
timetables are confirmed.                                                     of the quiet Ballaragh Road and
What we may see: Industrial                                                   quiet country tracks to rise up
archaeology, mining heritage,          along the spectacular coastal cliffs   onto moorland heading westwards
Neolithic chambered tombs,             and bays round the southwest           onto The Dreem, Slieau Ruy and
woodland wildlife, inland and          corner of the Isle of Man, past        Slieau Lhean. We then head into
coastal views.                         the geological fissures known as       the Cornaa Valley and take another
                                       the Chasms and by two Iron Age         track leading eastwards into Glen
What to expect: Most of the route is
                                       promontory forts to the Sound,         Mona and the opportunity for
on quiet country roads and tracks.
                                       overlooking the Calf of Man and        refreshments (fingers crossed!)
Two steepish rises. Estimated finish
                                       Kitterland, then continue up the       before a return to Douglas by
time for walk at Laxey 14:30.
                                       west coast to Port Erin Bay and        bus or Manx Electric Railway (not
                                       Port Erin. Return by steam train       booked). Recommended outward
    Friday C - Moderate                                                       transport times and options
                                       (not booked) or bus (not booked) to
                                       Douglas. Recommended outward           for return to be provided when
    (also available as Tuesday C.
                                                                              timetables are confirmed.
    Shorter version stopping at the    transport times and options
    Sound available as Monday B        for return to be provided when
    and Thursday B)                    timetables are confirmed.
                                       What we may see: Coastal wildlife,
Southern Coastal                       sea birds, gulls, choughs, ravens,
Splendours: Port St Mary to            grey seals at the Sound. Geology.
Port Erin via the Sound                Iron Age promontory forts.
                                       What to expect: Mostly natural
12 km/7.5 miles. Height gained         footpath along the coast and cliff,    What we may see: Manx Electric
270 m/886 feet. About 5 hours          moorland areas, rocky surfaces.        Railway, hill and moorland plants
walking.                               Café and toilets at the Sound.         and birds, ravens, hen harriers,
Description: One of the Island’s       Estimated finish time for walk at      great views over to Cumbria and
favourite linear coastal walks in      Port Erin 15:20.                       towards Snaefell, the Cornaa
the southwest of the Island and                                               valley, North Barrule and the
rated as one of the best coastal           Friday D - Moderate                northern hills.
walks around the Irish Sea. Walked                                            What to expect: Mostly on
by Clare Balding in ‘Ramblings’!       Moor Glens: Dhoon Glen to              moorland paths and tracks with
Explore part of the Raad ny Foillan/   Glen Mona via Ballaragh                some quiet country roads at the
Way of the Gull long distance                                                 start. Steadily rise uphill and
coastal footpath.                      13.5 km/8.5 miles. Height gained       steady downhill for arrival to Glen
We take the bus from Douglas to        320 m/1050 feet. About 5 hours         Mona. Estimated finish time for
Port St Mary (not booked) and walk     walking.                               walk at Glen Mona 16:00.
Friday E – Moderate Plus

Across the Roof of the
North: Snaefell to Ramsey
via North Barrule
12 km/7.5 miles. Height gained
400 m/1312 feet. About 4.5
hours walking.
NB: Early start! This walk will
require the 08:40 Manx Electric
Railway from Derby Castle,
Douglas.
                                      to Douglas by bus (not booked)        heading to Kirk Michael, all in the
Description: Linear hill walk over
                                      or the Manx Electric Railway          northwest of the Island.
open moorland in the northeast of
                                      (not booked). Options for return      We take the bus from Douglas to
the Island, taking in the Island’s
                                      transport to be provided when         Ballaugh (not booked) and then
highest peaks along a rounded
                                      timetables are confirmed.             follow the Ballaugh Glen Road
ridge.
                                      What we may see: Hill and             south and into the lovely Glen
We take the 08:40 Manx Electric
                                      moorland wildlife, ravens, hen        Dhoo. Rising onto slopes of Slieau
Railway tram (booked) from Derby
                                      harriers, hares.                      Curn, we walk over open hill and
Castle, Douglas to Laxey and
                                      What to expect: Mainly hill and       moorland until we join the Baltic
change to the Snaefell Mountain
                                      moorland walk over rough grazing      Road which leads westwards from
Railway (booked) to travel the easy
                                      and moorland, steep slopes down       the hills to Kirk Michael. Return to
way to the top of Snaefell (621 m/
                                      and up and walk along an exposed      Douglas from Kirk Michael by bus.
2034 feet). We then cross open
                                      but rounded ridge. Estimated finish   Recommended outward transport
rough grazing and moorland on
                                      time for walk at Ramsey 14:30.        times and options for return to
tracks down the side of Snaefell
                                                                            be provided when timetables are
to cross the Mountain Road (route
                                                                            confirmed.
of the famous TT motor racing             Friday F – Moderate Plus
course) and then up Clagh Ouyr                                              What we may see: Glen and
and on to (North) Barrule along       Northwest Nice Spots:                 moorland wildlife, ravens,
a rounded ridge. If the weather                                             tholtans (abandoned farmsteads
                                      Ballaugh to Kirk Michael via          and cottages), great views over
allows, we shall be able to see not
only the Northern Plain and hills,    Slieau Curn/Glen Dhoo                 the west of the Island and over
but also the ‘Seven Kingdoms’ –                                             Scotland and Ireland.
                                      13 km/8 miles. Height gained
Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales,                                          What to expect: Glen walking
Mann, Heaven and the Sea! We          330m/1082 feet. About 5 hours         on quiet country roads, tracks
head down (North) Barrule to          walking.                              and footpaths. Steepish rise to
Ballure Plantation and Reservoir      Description: Up through the glen      Slieau Curn and open moorland
and to our finishing point in         and over the hills is the story       and steady downhill route to Kirk
Ramsey, the largest town in the       of this linear route exploring        Michael. Estimated finish time for
north of the Island and return        Glen Dhoo, Slieau Curn and then       walk at Kirk Michael 14:30.
Leave only Footprints,
Take only MEMORIES
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