ISLE OF MAN GUID E TO ROAD CYCLING
Start your #IOMstory visitisleofman.com D iscover a cycling nirvana in the Isle of Man
Birthplace to Olympic medallists Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh, its varied terrain set against spectacular backdrops of epic landscapes and miles of sweeping coastline make the Isle of Man a dream to ride.
This guide outlines the Island’s popular and iconic ‘Raad Daawheeyl’ coastal cycling route. At over 90miles, it is a demanding but rewarding route which provides the opportunity to cycle around a complete nation. Challenge yourself with the full route or choose one of the three shorter routes for a less strenuous but no less extraordinary ride.
Whether you ride for pleasure or fitness, the ‘Raad Daawheeyl’ will provide an unforgettable experience whilst providing a unique way to tour the Island as each route passes a rich variety of Manx National Heritage sites, cycling pit stops and ever changing landscapes. From calm and colourful countryside and pretty glen valleys to magnificent coastal views and rolling hills, every twist and turn on each of these routes will open your eyes to something new.
In this guide we’ve also highlighted a selection of fantastic cycling pit stops around the Island which act as a great place to meet other riders, get advice and even repairs whilst you refuel before returning to explore the many stunning paths the Island has to offer. Alternatively, check out our Taste brochure for an extensive list of local eateries offering the best our vibrant food sector has to offer at www.visitisleofman.com/taste
In addition to the ‘Raad Daawheeyl’, the Isle of Man also has a a number of graded trails suited to all abilities, from the gentle Heritage Trail which follows the old steam railway line to a short but steep cycle around Laxey. Fuel your ride
For further inspiration on road cycling in the Isle of Man, visit Take a well-deserved rest at one of the Island’s www.visitisleofman.com/cycling fantastic ‘cyclist friendly’ taste establishments which act as a great place to refuel with delicious local delicacies before returning to explore the many stunning tracks the Island has to offer. (Look for the on your route map).
2 3 Point of Ayre Route 1: 91.3 miles / 146.93km 1 All island route
Bride Route 2: 52.7 miles / 84.81km A17 2 A10 South-west route Andreas Jurby A17 A9 A10
Route 3: 30.3 miles / 48.76km A13 St Judes 3 North-east route A14 A9 A13
Milntown TT COURSE House RAMSEY Ballaugh Sulby Route 4: 40.5 miles / 65.18km Glen Elfin 4 A2 A15 Northern route Sulby Glen Ballaugh Glen Maughold Kirk Michael Glen Wyllin Snaefell
A18 Glen Mona Ballaglass Glen Glen Mooar Tholt-y-Will Glen
Dhoon Glen
PEEL TT COURSE A1
Tynwald Hill Baldrine Taste Establishment Arboretum A18 A2 Patrick St Johns Ballacraine A27 Public Toilet A2 Glen Maye Glen Maye Crosby Glen Vine Museum A1 Groudle Glen Dalby Union Mills Foxdale A24 Braddan Railway A27 Braaid A5 D OUGLAS BAY South Barrule SEA TERMINAL & WELCOME CENTRE National Glen St Marks A5
A36 Information Point A27 A3 Port Soderick Glen Colby Glen
Hospital Ballabeg Bradda Glen Colby Ballasalla A7 Cycle Shop/Repair PORT ERIN A5 AIRPORT
Cregneash CASTLETOWN Tynwald Hill Sound PORT ST MARY Lighthouse Calf of Man
Manx National Heritage Site
4 5 1 Raad Daawheeyl (Full route) 1 Raad Daawheeyl (Full route)
Point of Ayre
A demanding but rewarding 90 mile challenge taking you out of the Bride Island’s capital and into the tranquil A17 A10 surrounding countryside. Andreas Jurby A17 A9 Clockwise A10 A13 St Judes A14 A9 Strenuous A13 7 RAMSEY Milntown 91.3miles / 146.93km TT COURSE House Ballaugh Sulby Glen Elfin
6 A2 A15 Maughold Sulby Glen 2,222m Ballaugh Glen Kirk Michael Glen Wyllin Snaefell
www.strava.com/routes/24054044 A18 Glen Mona Ballaglass Glen Glen Mooar Tholt-y-Will Glen Starting on South Quay, make your way to the top of Douglas Head before Dhoon Glen heading south towards the Island’s former capital, Castletown.
8 From here, take the road to Port St Mary and then onto Howe Road which PEEL TT COURSE A1
will descend to the Island’s most southernly tip - The Sound and Calf of Man, Baldrine Arboretum 5 A18 A2 St Johns Ballacraine considered one of the most scenic places in the British Isles. A27
From the Sound, make your way through Port Erin and start your climb to the top A2 Glen Maye Glen Maye Crosby Glen Vine of the Sloc known as the Round Table. As you descend and continue along the A1 Groudle Glen Dalby Union Mills Foxdale coastal road to Dalby, be sure to take in, or take a detour to, the secluded beauty A24 Braddan A27 9 spot of Niarbyl. From here make your way back onto the main road which will Braaid D OUGLAS BAY South Barrule SEA TERMINAL & WELCOME CENTRE lead you to Peel. St Marks 1 A5
A36 Be sure to explore Peel before taking the A27 A3 Port Soderick Glen Ramsey Road through to Kirk Michael Colby Glen
Ballabeg and up to the Coast Road to Jurby. Bradda Glen Colby Ballasalla A7 From here it’s a smooth journey passing PORT ERIN A5 23 AIRPORT 3 a choice of nature reserves on remote 4 CASTLETOWN Sound PORT countryside roads before reaching 6 ST MARY Bride and the turning point towards the Calf of Man Point of Ayre. Fuel your ride Onwards to Ramsey, consider taking a
short detour to the historic estate and 1 Noa Bakehouse 4 The Fishery 7 Conrod’s
gardens of Milntown before taking the 2 The Abbey 5 The Boatyard 8 The Shed
eastern coast road back to Douglas, 3 Secret Pizza Company 6 The Raven 9 Cycle 360 passing the Great Laxey Wheel in the Peel Castle on St Patrick’s Isle For more Taste Isle of Man establishments visit visitisleofman.com/taste village of Laxey en route. To avoid appointment, please check opening hours and times directly with the establishments
6 7 Point of Ayre
Bride A17
A10 Andreas Jurby A17 A9 A10
A13 St Judes A14 A9 A13 RAMSEY
Milntown TT COURSE House Ballaugh Sulby Glen Elfin
A2 A15 Maughold Sulby Glen Ballaugh Glen Kirk Michael Glen Wyllin Snaefell
A18 Glen Mona Ballaglass Glen 2 Raad Daawheeyl (South-West) 2 Raad Daawheeyl (South-West)Glen Mooar Tholt-y-Will Glen
A 53 mile tour of the South and Dhoon Glen West of the Island starting and finishing on North Quay beside the
Old Market Hall in Douglas. PEEL TT COURSE A1 Clockwise Baldrine Arboretum Strenuous 5 A18 A2 6 St Johns A27 Ballacraine 52.7miles / 84.81km
A2 1,456m Glen Maye Glen Maye Crosby Glen Vine www.strava.com/routes/24054084 A1 Groudle Glen Dalby Union Mills Foxdale Begin your journey by crossing the bridge onto South Quay in Douglas and making A24 Braddan A27 7 your way to the top of Douglas Head for a superb view of the bay. A ride along the Braaid D OUGLAS BAY scenic Marine Drive will reward you with extraordinary views as you make your South Barrule way south towards the Island’s former capital, Castletown. Be sure to take a pit St Marks 1 stop and explore the medieval castle, Castle Rushen - home to the Kings and Lords A5 A36 of Mann. Extend your stop and stay for some delicious refreshments. A27 A3
From here, take the road to Port St Mary and then onto Howe Road which will Colby Glen descend to The Sound and Calf of Man - one of the Island’s natural wonders, Rushen Abbey Ballabeg abundant in wildlife and blessed with stunning panoramic sea views. Colby Bradda Glen Ballasalla A7 From here, make your way through the beautiful beachside town of Port Erin 2 PORT A5 AIRPORT before starting your climb to the top of the Sloc where you will be rewarded with ERIN breathtaking views. As you descend and continue along the coastal road to Dalby, Cregneash 4 3 be sure to take in the far reaching views of Niarbyl, or take a detour to this place CASTLETOWN Sound PORT of great geological importance and admire its peaceful bay, coastal paths and ST MARY thatched cottages. From here make your way back onto the main road which will lead you to Peel, famous for its stunning sunsets, sandy beach and its magnificent castle. Fuel your ride Passing through St Johns along the country roads on your
way back to Douglas, look out for Tynwald Hill, one of the 1 Noa Bakehouse 4 The Fishery 7 Cycle 360
Island’s most distinctive landmarks which plays host to 2 The Abbey 5 The Boatyard
an open air meeting of the Island’s parliament, Tynwald, 3 Secret Pizza Company 6 Close Leece Farm Shop & Cafe once a year. The Sound For more Taste Isle of Man establishments visit visitisleofman.com/taste To avoid appointment, please check opening hours and times directly with the establishments
28 93 Point of Ayre
Bride A17
A10 Andreas Jurby 3 Raad Daawheeyl (East-North) 3 Raad Daawheeyl (East-North)A17 A9 A10
A13 St Judes A14 A9 A hilly 30 mile tour of the East A13 coast starting and finishing on 2 RAMSEY North Quay beside the Old Market Milntown TT COURSE House Hall in Douglas. Ballaugh Sulby Glen Elfin
A2 A15 Maughold Clockwise Sulby Glen Ballaugh Glen Moderate Glen Wyllin Snaefell 30.3miles / 48.76km A18 Glen Mona Ballaglass Glen Glen Mooar 1,277m Tholt-y-Will Glen www.strava.com/routes/24054039
Dhoon Glen This route takes you out of the Island’s capital, through Laxey and north to Ramsey.
As you climb out of Douglas, the route north takes you past Conrhenny 3 Plantation where you will be rewarded with spectacularPEEL views. Take a quick TT COURSE pit stop at King Orry’s grave- the largest known Megalithic tomb onA1 the Isle of Man said to belong to King Orry, believed to be one of our greatest kings and Baldrine
founder of Mann. A18 A2 A27 St Johns Continue north past Glen Mona and into Ramsey before heading along
the coast to Maughold. Be sure to take a look over your shoulder for the A2 Glen Maye Glen Maye Crosby sweeping vista of Ramsey and the Glen Vine Groudle Glen northern beaches. A1 Dalby Union Mills Foxdale The coastal route home takes you A24 Braddan A27 via Laxey where you can visit the Braaid D OUGLAS BAY Great Laxey Water Wheel- the South Barrule SEA TERMINAL & WELCOME CENTRE largest surviving waterwheel of St Marks 1 its kind in the world. Or why not A5
A36 head on down to the promenade A27 A3 and refuel, before the home Colby Glen stretch, at The Shed.
Ballabeg Bradda Glen Colby Ballasalla Fuel your ride A7 PORT ERIN A5 1 Noa Bakehouse 2 Conrod’s 3 The Shed
The Shed, Laxey Promenade For more Taste Isle of Man establishments visit visitisleofman.com/taste PORT To avoid appointment, please check opening hours and times directly with the establishments Sound ST MARY 210 113
Calf of Man 4 Raad Daawheeyl (North) 4 Raad Daawheeyl (North)
A gentle 40-mile tour of the Northern Plains, starting and Point of Ayre finishing at Ramsey’s Queen’s Pier.
Clockwise
Moderate Bride A17 40.5miles / 65.18km A10 372m Andreas Jurby www.strava.com/routes/24054030 A17 A9 A10
From Ramsey’s Queen Pier, make your way west out of town along the famous A13 St Judes TT course as you head towards Andreas. A14 A9 A13 Make your way past Andreas Church and through St Judes before reaching the 1 RAMSEY Curraghs where you might see a wild wallaby or two. From here, it’s a smooth Milntown journey passing nature reserves on remote countryside roads. Motor fanatics Sulby TT COURSE 2 House Ballaugh 3 should make time to stop via the Isle of Man Motor Museum in Jurby before Glen Elfin A2 A15 Maughold reaching Bride and the turning point to the Point of Ayre. Sulby Glen Ballaugh Glen From here, make your way back into Ramsey where you can explore a selection of independent boutiques or head to the historic Miltown Estate and Gardens Snaefell for a post-ride wander and scone! A18 Glen Mona Ballaglass Glen Tholt-y-Will Glen Alternatively, celebrate the end of your ride with a visit to The Fynoderee Distillery to sample award-winning Master Distiller Dhoon Glen Gerard Macluskey’s range of uniquely blended gins and vodka using Manx grown or locally-foraged botanicals. PEEL TT COURSE A1
Baldrine
A18 A2 A27 St Johns Fuel your ride
1 Conrods 2 MilntownA2 3 The Raven Glen Maye Glen Maye Point of A yre For more Taste Isle of Man establishments visit visitisleofman.com/taste To avoid appointment,A1 please check opening hours and times directly with the establishments Dalby Union Mills 212 133 A27 Braaid D OUGLAS BAY South Barrule SEA TERMINAL & WELCOME CENTRE St Marks A5
A36 A27 A3
Colby Glen
Ballabeg Bradda Glen Colby Ballasalla A7 PORT ERIN A5
PORT Sound ST MARY
Calf of Man Getting here Where to stay By sea: You’ll be pleased to know that there is plenty of cycling friendly accommodation to stay at which all have safe and secure places to store your bikes The Isle of Man Steam Packet operates regular ferry services from the North and cycling gear. Hosts will also be able to provide you with West of England all season, and the East Coast of Ireland in the summer months. maps, guides and further information on public transport to and Bring you bicycle aboard for free when travelling as a foot passenger. from the start/finish points of your chosen routes. By air: To view the full range of accommodation and to book, visit Soar across the sky in as little as half an hour, whilst taking visitisleofman.com/where-to-stay or scan the QR code: in the Island’s sublime landscape from the air. Upon arriving, you can then choose to rent a bike from one of the local bike BIKE HIRE, TOURS, GUID ES hire shops. For an up to date list of airlines serving the Island, please visit: visitisleofman.com/travel or scan the QR code: If you are coming to the Island via boat, you can easily take your bike with you on the ferry. However, if you’re flying or you would rather not bring your own bike, you can easily hire one while you’re here. With a range of hire shops covering the Island you will be sure of getting the right bike to suit your cycling requirements and most places will even provide a delivery and collection service. For those preferring to have the comfort factor of either on-call support or an accompanying guide to show you all the best of the Island, there are a number of local firms who provide these services. For more information, please see visitisleofman.com/cyclehireandtours or scan the QR code: CYCLING EVENTS
Having inspired multiple current and upcoming cycling champions, the Isle of Man is also a popular destination for cyclists who want to challenge themselves in mass participation events on the Island’s scenic roads and trails. There are several well-established Sportives plus a Gran Fondo held every year between May and September. For a full, up to date calendar of cycling events, please visit: visitisleofman.com/cyclingevents or scan the QR code:
14 1513 /VISITISLEOFMAN @VISITISLEOFMAN
Uncover more at visitisleofman.com Start your #IOMstory
YOUTUBE.COM/VISITISLEOFMAN
/VISITISLEOFMAN
INSTAGRAM.COM/VISITISLEOFMAN
@VISITISLEOFMAN