Isle Of Man
Richards Mountain Pages
Often dismissed as just that place where they race motorbikes, the Isle Of Man offers some good walking.
The obvious place to start is the summit of Snaefell and the surrounding high moorland peaks.
If you're not out to bag peaks, you can cheat and take the mountain railway, but be sure to check when it runs
as it stops surprisingly early in the afternoon. The summit cafe closes just before the last train down.
Beyond the attraction of Snaefell, the other four Marilyn peaks give an idea of where the best walking can be
found. Slieau Freoaghane offers a short respite from the trailbikes that constantly grind round the wider paths
of the Snaefell horseshoe at weekends. A walk up South Barrule can be linked with the path from Castletown to Peel.
And the two peaks either side of Port Erin, offer an introduction to the coast path. The coast path is undoubtedly
at its undulating best between Port St Mary and Peel. Finally, some of the best (and quietest) walking can be
found in the many wooded glens. You'll find lots of wild fuschias.
Geology
The majority of the island appears to comprise a soft slate, with some quartzite. The hills have a history of
mining, in particular for metal ores. The great wheel at Laxey is part of an old mining complex. Its purpose was
to pump the mines in the valley. Further mine workings can be found on the side of South Barrule.
Settlements
Many of these I've had only a brief experience of, so much of this is based on first impressions...
- Douglas - the largest town, very similar to a Southern England resort.
- Ramsey - the second town, looked a bit rundown to me - but it was a wet Sunday morning.
- Laxey - almost a mining museum, the tram station is a very tranquil spot. The beach at Old Laxey is pleasant too.
- Castletown - probably the nicest place on the island
- Port St Mary - doesn't seem to offer much for the visitor
- Port Erin - plusher than its neighbour (Port St Mary), and a good spot to explore the far South West from
- Peel - a port town of narrow streets, but partly spoilt by a dominant factory chmney
Transport
The quickest way to get around the island is by bus. Most buses go from Douglas, roughly once or twice an hour,
and take upto an hour to reach the furthest points. The steam train is worth a ride. The electric tram is worth a go
to, but after being shaken to bits you'll probably prefer the bus after that. There are multi day passes available
that cover all transport, but unless you use the trams and Snaefell railway (preferably on the same day), you are
almost certainly better off paying the fares, or buying a multi trip ticket as the locals do.
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