Isle of Man Heritage Walks

5 Amazing and varied day walks, using victorian heritage transport.  

If you appreciate history, folklore and the fabric that makes up this wonderful Island, our selection of  Isle of Man Heritage Walks will captivate you! 

Experience an educational journey of the Island’s ancient history, in the company of a tour guide and an archaeologist. Leaving no stone unturned, throughout the week, you’ll experience a variety of walks, using the Island’s charming Victorian heritage transport system. The laid back way to get about! 

Itinerary

1. Castletown, Langness and Fort Island

Coastal walking and wildlife, featuring medieval and modern history aplenty - 8.5 miles/14 km. 

This is a circular walk including a great mix of coastal walking and wildlife, uncovering plenty of the Isle of Man’s medieval and modern history. Beginning at Castle Rushen, we follow the coast past the burial, execution and feasting site of Hango Hill, through Derbyhaven and onto Langness to witness the Iron Age and Norse promontory forts, the landmark tower, the Provider stone (commemorating a shipwreck) and then on to the medieval chapel and Derby Fort on St Michael’s Isle. Keep an eye out for shore and sea birds which are plentiful in this part of the Island. Allow - 5 hours. Rating – Leisurely.

2. Round the Sound

Coastal birds, amazing geology, cliffs and ancient forts. 8 miles/13 km.

A circular walk taking in some truly captivating views that make this one of the finest coastal walks in the British Isles! We set off from Port St Mary and head around the coast to explore near to the Chasms (deeply fissured rock formations), the Sugarloaf (home to kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills), the promontories of Black Head and Spanish Head, and the atmospheric sight of the Sound away to the Calf of Man and Kitterland with their colonies of seals…..and much more. There’s so much to absorb which you can reflect upon during the scenic route back to Port Erin and Port St Mary. Allow - 5 hours. Rating – Moderate.

3. Ballajora to Maughold and onto Ramsey

Enjoy coastal wildlife, mining, Celtic and Norse crosses and Island heritage. 7 miles/11 km

A linear walk that winds its way up the north east coast of the Island. Starting at Ballajora Halt on the Manx Electric Railway, we descend down to the coast and follow the coastal footpath to Kirk Maughold, complete with its collection of Celtic and Viking stones. Then we head along the coast at Maughold Head to Port Lewaigue affording grand views over Ramsey Bay before approaching the town of Ramsey where we finish. Allow – 4.5 hours. Rating – Moderate.

4. Laxey Valley

A fascinating combination of mining heritage and history, Neolithic burials and a traditional working harbour. 5 miles/8 km.

A linear walk beginning at Laxey Station, progressing on to explore near the Great Laxey Wheel and then on to the old mining village of Agneash. From there, we follow some charming countryside paths and past the Neolithic chambered tombs at King Orry’s Grave. The route continues to Laxey harbour, Laxey village and back to Laxey Station. Allow – 3 hours Rating – Moderate (with more time to explore).

5. Peel, Patrick and Glen Maye

Mining heritage, spectacular coastline to first world war internment camps with riverside wildlife 8 miles/13 km.  

A circular walk beginning in Peel. We walk along the old railway line and beside the River Neb to Knockaloe, Patrick village and Holy Trinity Church, Patrick. From here, we head up Barnell Lane, through plantation, into Glen Rushen and down to the waterfall at Glen Maye. A favourite spot to stand and admire the scene. We then follow the fabulous coastal route to return to Peel, via Peel Hill and Peel Castle. Allow – 5 hours. Rating – Strenuous.