Port St Mary to Port Erin
The walk from Port St Mary to Port Erin makes up Raad ny Foillan’s third section. Explore seven beautiful miles along the southern coast of the Isle of Man. Beginning in Port St Mary, make your way west, past the fossilised tree stumps of Kallow Point and craggy rock formations of the Chasms. As you go, keep your eyes peeled for guillemots, kittiwakes, and other seabirds drifting on the breeze. A small detour from the path takes you to the crofting village of Cregneash, showcasing the historical farming practices once found across the Isle.
Returning to the path, you round the dramatic Spanish Head; stop for lunch in view of the Calf of Man at The Sound Café, admiring the stunning vistas and the unique island. Finally, head north towards Port Erin, following the rise-and-fall of the coastal path. On your way, keep an eye out for the seals who pepper the beaches from August to November, while keeping your distance to not disturb the pups or pods.
Where to stay
Once you arrive in Port Erin, take the weight off, ready to relax and recharge by the wood burning stove as you watch the tides turn at Baljean, or return to Port St Mary for sweeping sea vistas at Glen Chass Farmhouse.
Point of Ayre to Ramsey
Fall in love with the Isle of Man’s salt-sprayed northern coast and discover the Ayre Nature Reserve and the Point of Ayre Lighthouse with this family favourite walk. Following the Raad Ny Foillan’s ninth section, pioneer wind-swept coastline while making your way to Ramsey. This 5.5-mile walk promises enriching hours in the fresh sea air. Following sand and shingle, this path is tide permitting so be sure to check tide timetables.
Watch the waves lap the shore on vast sands as you go. Heading past a wildlife-rich nature reserve and undulating sandstone cliffs, Ramsey's bustling port eventually comes into view. Stop for a while to soak up the atmosphere (and find a cosy café), or, for the truly adventurous, simply take a minute before carrying on up the coastal path to Maughold. Atop Maughold Hill on clear days, views of the Lake District’s prominent peaks are a sight to behold.
Where to stay
After a day of soul-stirring exploration, return to Ramsey’s Cascadia House to immerse in luxury, or stay on the edge of the Isle in Maughold’s Seabank Cottage, spending soothing evenings in your own private sauna, looking out across the Irish Sea.
Laxey to Douglas
Enjoy slow meanderings along coastal paths and feel the connection to the trails as they pass underfoot along this 9.5-mile walk from Laxey to Douglas. The twelfth section of the Raad Ny Foillan leads you from Laxey Promenade, through Garwick Bay to the village of Baldrine, where you can enjoy panoramic views across the ocean.
As you uncover woven paths along the Raad ny Foillan, breathe fresh air while discovering the Ballanette Reserve; brimming with wildlife across the year, this is a wonderful place to watch birds from the hide as you explore the lakes. All the while, captivating coastal vistas and views towards the peak of Snaefell set a breathtaking backdrop.
Continuing along the path, you approach the island’s capital Douglas. Be sure to look out for St Adamnan’s Church, or Lonan Old Church, a part-renovated church hosting millennia of Manx history, including the Isle’s only undisturbed celtic cross from the 10th century AD. After this you’ll reach Groudle Glen, where history and the enchanting essence of Manx Folklore intertwine along the riverside.
As you arrive in Douglas, bask in spectacular sea views and embrace the capital of the Isle of Man; this characterful port city is a hub for the island’s culture and cuisine. Or return via the electric railway to Laxey whose calming character inspires relaxation.
Where to stay
Choose from one of the many stays, like the cosy idyll Cherry Cottage. Offering sweeping views across Laxey, this hilltop haven calls for slow evenings after long walks. Or explore Santa Rosa, this peaceful perch above the sea provides the perfect chance to recover. Spend evenings exploring Douglas or simply recharge before continuing your adventure the next day.
Glen Mooar and Glen Wyllin
This magical circular route showcases 4 scenic miles, starting and finishing in Glen Wyllin. Begin your journey along a dismantled Victorian railway as you wander through your first Glen, beneath open skies and a dappled canopy. Midway through the first glen, you’ll discover Spooyt Vane (White Sprout in Manx), one of the tallest waterfalls on the Isle of Man and perfect for wild swimming. Shortly after, find Cabbal Pherick, an early Medieval structure, acting as a reminder of the Isle of Man’s diverse human history stretching as far back as 10,000 years ago.
As you reach the end of the Glen, take in the flora and fauna within the Cooil Dharry Nature Reserve, carefully managed by the Manx Wildlife Trust. Walk along the river, taking in the heavenly autumnal tones
Where to stay
Return from the Glens to your warming abode, nestled on the edge of Kirk Michael is The Old Barn and Acorn Cottage. Each sleeping two, and perched on the same farm with a comfortable distance between, these cottages provide the perfect option for group stays with some added privacy when needed. Warm by the wood-burning stove, or sip something delicious beneath an evening’s sky as you watch the horses frolic in the paddock outside.
The Railway Ramble, Santon Station Circular
Starting and stopping at Santon Station, this route covers around 7 miles of countryside and coast, painting the perfect picture of the Isle of Man. Starting in countryside splendour, make your way to the quietly charming cove at Port Grenaugh. Winding your way through Glen Grenaugh, ramble along the forest path, below the enchanting eaves of the canopy above. In autumn, the golden browns and open skies create a magical environment.
After your journey through the picturesque woodland, you’ll reach the idyllic Port Grenaugh. Then, following the coastal path rising along the salt-sprayed cliffs you pass Cronk ny Merriu, the remains of an Iron Age Celtic fort. Keep an eye on the skies, as this section of the walk promises rich avian arrays of choughs and cormorants as you approach and round Santon Head.
Making your way through winding lanes amongst farmland, finally reach the familiar peace of Port Grenaugh before returning through Glen Grenaugh to Santon Station.
Feel the warming embrace of quiet luxury at Quilliams Lodge, one of the Broogh Fort Cottages, where evenings can be spent in bubbling paradise beneath the night’s sky. Or for smaller groups, The Clays offers comforting refinement amongst wild settings, where sunsets are savoured and quiet contentment comes easily.
Whether a seasoned walker, or just taking your first steps into the unknown, The Isle of Man has walks for all, taking you through enchanting scenery covering resplendent woodland, and sun-dappled coast. Allow Island Escapes to be your partner in exploration across the Isle of Man, Britain’s best kept secret.
