WALKING THE ISLE OF MAN COAST PATH - 100 MILES
ABOUT THE WALK AND MY STORY -
From the summits of the Lake District; from the Cumbrian coastline
on my British Coastal Walk and from the Mull of Galloway, I have gazedacross the sea to Isle of Man, resolving one day to go there for a walk. Somehow the plan was overtaken by other projects, despite having relatives over there, but the aim still remained on my list of walks to do - unfortunately the list does not reduce! However, I started my island walk series on the Isle of Wight before walking the Isle of Anglesey. The Isle of Man was next! In many ways I am glad I kept putting it off for the walk turned out to be a magnificent and unforgettable one.
Easter 1995 was set aside for the walk and as the island literature
states, part of the thrill of getting there is taking the ferry from
Heysham to Douglas; a four hour crossing. The walk - “The road of the gull” - was officially opened in 1986 at Peel and many start from there. But since the ferry goes to Douglas I started from there, literally straight off the ferry and onto the route. Typically, the weather upto Easter had been excellent, now that it was the Bank Holiday it changed for the worse! With strong winds and a drop in temperature, which made my shorts wearing questionable, I set off clockwise around the island. I had planned to stop at Castletown, but I had a meal instead and pressed on to Port St. Mary and onto Port Erin over Spanish Head and past the Calf of Man.
The next day in dull cold weather over Bradda Head and over 1,000 foot high cliffs to Peel. From Peel the coastal route changes from cliff tops to shoreline as I began the long haul to the Point of Ayre and onto Ramsey. This was the remotest stretch with no amenities and along the pebbled shore; I saw no one as the wind and rain lashed down! But the next day to Laxey was outstanding. Snow lay on Snaefell but the sky was cloudless the with the gorse in full bloom the coastal path along the cliffs and headland was beautiful. The route was full of surprises with paths leading down to quiet unspoilt coves and to ancient churches with Celtic crosses. A detour inland to see the Laxey Wheel before returning to the coast and the final miles back to Douglas. Again it was full of surprises, in one rocky bay a seal popped up and moments later three more. Round the final headland I came to another chapel with a 5th century cross before entering Douglas, with a great sense of loss.
The walk had proved to be demanding with rugged walking and remote locations. Fulmars and gulls nested on the cliffs and everyday gulls flew above me. At the same time on the headlands, curlew called, and wrens hurried by. On one path a rat ran across; I was told later that it is not called arat on the Isle of Man but known as a long tail. Although I never met another walker over the five days the local people were extremely helpful and friendly. I enjoyed walking the “road of the gull” and with so much to see and learn about I wish I could have stayed longer. I hope you have an enjoyable time as I had and may I wish you
- Happy walking!
John N. Merrill.
A5 Guide placed in a wara around plastic cover, signed by John Merrill.
Special embroidered cloth badge and signed certificate from John Merrill is available to all successful walkers.
Names added to me Walkers Roll of Honour page.