SUNDAY 26THSEPTEMBER –FRIDAY1ST OCTOBER

2021 PROGRAMME If you enjoy walking, you’ll love Walk the ! 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. 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, , IM3 4EB Contact Isle of Man Event Services Ltd on 01624 664460 or by email on [email protected] 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. 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 [email protected] 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. (MER) and the 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 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. 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. 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 /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 for walk is 13:10. coastal footpath. Linear walk from a steep stepped rise out of the bay, to the Sound. we join ‘Marine Drive’ and walk Monday B – Easy/Moderate We take the bus from Douglas 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 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. Cliffs, Choughs and Man past the geological fissures 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 8 km/5 miles. Height gained sea mammals if we are lucky (in 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 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 towards Ramsey with views over What to expect: Mostly natural What we may see: Ramsey the northern plain and visit the footpath along the coast and cliff, town, TT course, wooded glens, Albert Tower, commemorating the moorland areas, rocky surfaces. woodland birds and plants, Albert visit of Prince Albert in 1847 and Café and toilets at the Sound. Tower (built 1848) and views over follow paths and roads into Ramsey Estimated finish time for walk at the north of the Island. Sandy for a return to Douglas by bus the Sound is 14:20. beach and sea birds, Queen’s Pier, working and historic harbour. (not booked) or the Manx Electric Railway (not booked). Options for What to expect: Glen and Monday C - Moderate return transport to be provided woodland walks, with a steepish when timetables are confirmed. The Albert Tower Amble: rise near the beginning through What we may see: Moorland Ramsey Glens and Albert Elfin Glen. Starting and finishing on urban roads and a sandy beach. wildlife, ravens, hen harriers, Tower Estimated finish time for the walk mining remains, Albert Tower, Ramsey and Ramsey Harbour 9.5 km/6 miles. Height gained at Ramsey 14:10. 160 m/525 feet. About 3.5 hours What to expect: Open hill and walking. Monday D - Moderate moorland walking, mostly 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 Monday E - Moderate of Ramsey. 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 walking. of the famous TT course through 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 210 m/689 feet. About 4.5 hours Elfin Glen and to the Albert Tower, downhill then quiet country roads walking. stopping en route for panoramic and footpaths leading down from 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 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 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 and a Snaefell to Ballaugh via Glen and explore the remains memorial for the Battle of Sky Killabrega of abandoned farmsteads and Hill (1079). Our return to Ramsey cottages (tholtans) at Sharragh 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 Douglas by Manx Electric Railway require the 08:40 Manx Electric through Ballaugh Plantation to 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. tholtans (abandoned farmsteads plantation birds and wild plants, What we may see: Hill and extensive views from Sky Hill over and cottages) as we travel on this linear route through the Island’s moorland wildlife, ravens, hen the north of the Island to northwest hills. harriers, hares, plantations. and Cumbria. Battle of Sky Hill What to expect: Hill and moorland memorial. Milntown House. We take the 08:40 Manx Electric 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 to one of the nicest wooded glens via Ballaglass Glen 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. 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 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 (not booked) or bus (not booked) to works, mills and mining remains, when timetables are confirmed. Douglas. Recommended outward Ballaglass Glen. What we may see: Shingle beach, transport times and options What to expect: Gently sloping wooded glen and woodland wildlife, wetland plants, Groudle for return to be provided when quiet country lanes and footpaths. timetables are confirmed. Estimated finish time for walk at Glen Railway. What we may see: Coastal wildlife, Cornaa Halt 13:20. What to expect: Glen walking on a range of path surfaces. Estimated sea birds, gulls, choughs, ravens, grey seals at the Sound. Geology. finish time for walk at Groudle 14:30. Tuesday B – Easy/Moderate Iron Age promontory forts. Victorian Wonders: Tuesday C - Moderate What to expect: Mostly natural 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: 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, . 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 Lhean moorland wildlife, ravens, hen harriers, hares. Extensive views over harriers, hares. the south and west of the Island. 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 150 m/492 feet. About 2.5 hours 6.5 km/4 miles. Height gained the old Douglas-Peel railway line, walking. 100 m/328 feet. About 2.5 hours then up into the King’s Forest walking. Plantation and back to Crosby with Description: A circular walk from Peel Description: For those who want an appetite! Castle over Peel Hill and back the easy 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 west of the Island. We pass Corrin’s into King’s Forest (Greeba Hotel, Central Promenade and walk Tower and then drop down past Plantation) and take a circular walk northwards to Summerhill Glen, Knockaloe Farm to the old railway line through the plantation returning to a lovely themed urban glen. This from Peel to Douglas for a return to Crosby and the Crosby Pub. Return 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. timetables are confirmed. views over Douglas Bay. Stroll back 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, Thursday B – We take the bus from Douglas Iron Age and early Christian sites Easy/Moderate to Port St Mary (not booked) 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 What to expect: Mostly natural West Coast Wonders: Peel Mountain (422 m/1384 feet). footpath along the coast and cliff, From these heights, we drop – Knockaloe – Glen Maye – moorland areas, rocky surfaces. down through plantation (the Peel Hill Café and toilets at the Sound. King’s Forest) and return past 13.5 km/8.5 miles. Height Estimated finish time for walk at St Trinian’s medieval chapel to gained 420 m/1378 feet. About the Sound 14:20. Crosby for a return to Douglas by 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 necked wallabies who now live wild What we may see: Coastal, us to the Bungalow (on the famous in this area. We walk to Ballaugh riverside and inland wildlife, WWI TT course) and then into the for a return to Douglas. Options for internment heritage, church, Laxey Glen via Agneash village to return transport to be provided when waterfall, mining remains, 19th Laxey village and the beach on the timetables are confirmed. century tower, Peel Castle and 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 Friday B – Easy/Moderate bus (not booked). Recommended waterwheel in the world) and the outward transport times and Echoes of a Mining Past: industrial archaeology of lead and options for return to be provided 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 track leading eastwards into Glen What to expect: Most of the route is the Chasms and by two Iron Age Mona and the opportunity for on quiet country roads and tracks. promontory forts to the Sound, refreshments (fingers crossed!) Two steepish rises. Estimated finish overlooking the Calf of Man and before a return to Douglas by time for walk at Laxey 14:30. Kitterland, then continue up the west coast to Port Erin Bay and bus or Manx Electric Railway (not booked). Recommended outward Friday C - Moderate Port Erin. Return by steam train (not booked) or bus (not booked) to transport times and options for return to be provided when (also available as Tuesday C. Douglas. Recommended outward 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. Southern Coastal What we may see: Coastal wildlife, 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, 270 m/886 feet. About 5 hours What we may see: Manx Electric 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 the Island, taking in the Island’s We take the bus from Douglas to transport to be provided when highest peaks along a rounded Ballaugh (not booked) and then timetables are confirmed. ridge. follow the Ballaugh Glen Road 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 moorland until we join the Baltic change to the Snaefell Mountain What to expect: Mainly hill and Road which leads westwards from Railway (booked) to travel the easy moorland walk over rough grazing the hills to Kirk Michael. Return to way to the top of Snaefell (621 m/ and moorland, steep slopes down Douglas from Kirk Michael by bus. 2034 feet). We then cross open and up and walk along an exposed Recommended outward transport rough grazing and moorland on but rounded ridge. Estimated finish times and options for return to tracks down the side of Snaefell time for walk at Ramsey 14:30. 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, tholtans (abandoned farmsteads a rounded ridge. If the weather Ballaugh to Kirk Michael via allows, we shall be able to see not and cottages), great views over only the Northern Plain and hills, Slieau Curn/Glen Dhoo the west of the Island and over but also the ‘Seven Kingdoms’ – Scotland and . 13 km/8 miles. Height gained Ireland, Scotland, England, , 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. 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