RSSThese are four walks based around Laxey. Take an early Manx Electric Railway Tram to Laxey and from there ascend to the summit of Snaefell on the Mountain Railway. With an Ordinance Survey map pinpoint Sulby. Descend down the north western side of the Mountain towards Tholt-y-Will Glen passing through the valley to Sulby village. By walking west from here for about a mile you reach the Wildlife Park. Or from the summit of Snaefell on the Mountain railway, go south.
 |
The six mile walk southwest from Snaefell across to Beinn-y-Phott, and down through Bayr Garrow takes you past the Sartfield Farmhouse Restaurant. From here descend to the main Peel to Ramsey road. |
A less arduous walk descends from the summit of Snaefell back down through Laxey valley past the old mine workings and Laxey Wheel. Alternatively climb from Laxey to the summit of Snaefell and continue your walk using any of the three alternative routes above. A further, but strenuous walk, follows the road past the Laxey Wheel through the tiny village of Agneash to a track leading up the Laxey Valley past the old mine workings to its junction with the A18. Cross and ascend Snaefell to the Summit Cafe for well earned refreshments and descend in northern direction to pick up the Millennium Way.
Old Railway Lines
In this trail, disused railway lines offer delightful easy walking through splendid Manx countryside. The Heritage trail is a 10.5 miles (17kms) walk from the Quarterbridge in Douglas to Peel. The other main railway walk is from Peel, north to Ramsey. The first part of this 16 miles (26kms) of track is part of the Island's coastal footpath, the Raad ny Foillan. This follows the old rail track to Rhencullen, north of Kirk Michael to where it branches off to the beach heading in the northern direction. Staying with the rail track footpath continue through pastoral countryside passing via Ballaugh, then onto the entrance to the Wildlife Park, along to Sulby before the final stretch onto the northern part of Ramsey. The track lies fairly near the main road which is serviced by public transport.
Tholt-y-Will Glen and Sulby Reservoir
These walks involve some steep hill climbs and require proper footwear. The area surrounding Sulby is fascinating and provides several onward options as it lies close to the Curraghs Wildlife Park and the hill fortress of Cronk Summark. It offers four walks which range from 1.5 to 4 miles over moorland or through the Tholt-y-Will plantation and glen. Walkers might see hen harriers, kestrels, peregrines, curlews, choughs and ravens over higher ground.
