Coast and Beaches
The Isle of Man is 33 miles long and 13 miles wide, with plenty of coastline offering secluded beaches, thriving coastal towns and an array for seaside activities and sports.
The capital of the Isle of Man is Douglas, a buzzing coastal town overlooking the magnificent 2 mile crescent of Douglas Bay. With plenty of shops, cafes and bars as well as places of historical interest to visit, there is enough to occupy every visitor. The Douglas Horse Trams run along the sea front and the Electric Tramway and the Victorian Steam Railway link the town to the North and South of the island.
Just North of Douglas lies Onchan village boasting a pleasure park, a historical link to the infamous "Mutiny on the Bounty" and three delightful leafy Manx glens. Further North is the picturesque former mining village of Laxey famous for its giant waterwheel and small pretty harbour with pebble beach. Laxey lies on the Garff Sheading Heritage Trail.
16 miles north of Douglas is the town of Ramsey, the island's second largest. The island's longest river, the Sulby, enters the sea at Ramsey harbour, a hub of activity with the coming and going of yachts, trawlers and coasters. The Manx Sailing and Yachting Club has its headquarters here from where the Round the Island races are organised. Behind the quaint buildings along the quay is the main shopping area while on either side of the harbour are the beaches.
On the west coast, miles of sandy beaches stretch southwards from the Point of Ayre until the port of Peel is reached, the rocks changing to red sandstone. Peel is known for attractions such as the House of Manannan and Peel Castle and popular for it's fine sandy beach and delicious Manx kippers
.To the south of Peel the coastline changes to one of grandeur as cliffs of the Manx slates rise steeply from the sea and lead to the remotest part of the Isle of Man. The Glen Maye stream has carved a gorge in which is found one of the prettiest glens managed by the Manx Government's Forestry Department. Beyond is the delightful cove of Niarbyl with its 'tail of rocks' resisting the waves. The cove contains an old fisherman,s cottage, known as 'Old Tom's', now preserved as a private dwelling. Southwards, Cronk ny Irrey Lhaa with its wild moorlands rises steeply from sea level to its 1,500 feet summit. Its name means 'Hill of the Break of Day', so called because men of the fishing fleet returning to Peel after a night at sea looked for the sunrise over it. The coastline continues until Bradda Head is reached while the Calf of Man can be seen in the distance.
The much photographed Port Erin is a wonderful combination of golden sands and rocky inlets, with excellent walks to Bradda Head. Port Erin is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed holiday with superb coastal scenery and many fine walks. There are fishing trips and excursions to the Calf of Man from the small harbour. Liverpool University has its Marine Biological Station nearby while railway enthusiasts can enjoy the Museum and the Station refurbished in authentic Victorian splendour.
Further East, along one of the finest cliff walks, is the village of Port St Mary, once a major centre of the islands fishing industry with it's own boatyards. St Mary has now become a popular yachting location with the modern headquarters of the Isle of Man Yacht Club based here.
Continue travelling East along the South coast and you come to the medieval fortress of Castle Rushden, which gave the historic harbour of Castletown its name. In recent years Castle Rushen has undergone a complete scheme of renovation using traditional techniques. The once empty rooms within the keep are now alive again with colourful and vibrant displays which tell the story of the Castle from medieval times to the seventeenth century.
PTGH wish to thank Isle of Man tourism for their help in providing the above information. 10/03/08
