The Isle of Man is truly blessed when it comes to the great outdoors. The only nation to be granted UNESCO Biosphere status, and with 40% of the island completely uninhabited, it’s the perfect destination whether you’re a seasoned rambler, professional hiker or modest stroller.
From pulling your walking boots on and tackling the island’s 100-mile coastal path to a gentle amble on a late summer’s day blackberry-picking, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect walk for your holiday on the Isle of Man. Here are our top Isle of Man walks to get your itinerary started…
Raad ny Foillan Coastal Path
Best for: Experienced hikers and exceptional views
• Distance: 100 miles
• Difficulty: Mixed, challenging in places
• Starts/ends: Douglas
Manx Gaelic for ‘The Way of the Gull’, this 100-mile footpath is the island’s coastal path and a must for the avid walker, or easy enough to break down into manageable chunks. Passing through quiet sandy beaches, weaving through woody glens, circumnavigating picturesque farmland and climbing majestic clifftops, the Raad ny Foillan Coastal Path is a fantastic way to experience the very best of the Isle of Man’s stunning coast and countryside, and on completion, you can say you’ve walked around a whole nation!
While the hardy can complete the walk in a strenuous four-day challenge, others make it a gentle 12-day experience that’s perfect for a fortnight’s holiday. Alternatively, if you have little ones in tow, combine a walk with time on the beach and visiting a landmark such as Peel Castle or the Great Laxey Wheel.
Railway Ramble: Glen Mona, Maughold Village and Brooghs
Best for: History buffs and tram enthusiasts
• Distance: 7 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Starts/ends: Glen Mona Halt/Ramsey Station
This is a memorable walk that you can access by the Manx Electric Railway, alighting at Glen Mona for the start. Traversing quiet country lanes, exploring a neolithic tomb, a Quaker burial ground, and the coastal path with gorgeous sea views, this is an excellent ramble for those who love a bit of history. The Neolithic tomb, Cashtal yn Ard (The Castle of the Heights), is considered one of the most impressive of the Isle of Man’s ancient monuments. Dating from about 2,000 BC, it's the best preserved of the three tombs on the island and the largest in the British Isles.
On the walk, you’ll also pass Maughold churchyard, which has a stunning Manx stone cross, before joining the coastal path with its incredible scenery as it weaves its way to Ramsey. This is a tough walk that’s steep and rocky in places, so best for experienced walkers with a good level of fitness and hardy walking boots.
Ballaugh Blackberry Walk
Best for: Young families and foragers
• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starts/ends: Ballaugh Post Office
This fun jaunt is great for families or those seeking something a little different. Following the route of the old railway line that dates back to the 1870s, it has now been given over as a paradise for plants and wildlife, including – astonishingly – wallabies who have made the Ballaugh countryside their home ever since a pair escaped from the nearby Wildlife Park in the 1970s!
If that wasn’t exciting enough, if you’re walking the Ballaugh Blackberry Walk in late summer/early autumn, the hedgerows will be laden with blackberries ripe for the picking, so remember to bring some containers with you. If you have your four-legged friend by your side, make sure to keep them on a lead through farmland and when passing livestock, and if it’s been raining, it’s a good idea to wear sturdy boots or wellies.
The Millennium Way
Best for: Exploring the heart of the island
• Distance: 23 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Starts/ends: Sky Hill, Ramsey/Castle Rushen, Castletown
Originally an ancient route known as ‘Via Regia’ or the Royal Way, it was recorded that kings would travel along this path between Ramsey and Castletown as far back as the 13th century. The route was reestablished in 1979 and renamed The Millennium Way to mark the 1000th anniversary of the founding of Tynwald, the Manx parliament.
You can walk the path in a day or break it up into manageable sections, but either way, you’ll need experience, excellent footwear, and a good level of fitness as it covers hills, rough open countryside, and a climb up the island’s highest point, Snaefell, at 1,500 feet. The effort is well-rewarded, though, with gorgeous views and a glimpse into the heart of the island, meandering your way along wooded paths, open moorland, riverside tracks, pretty villages and the medieval Castle Rushen.
Douglas River Glass Walk
Best for: Tranquil river views and golf lovers
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starts/ends: National Sports Centre Car Park
This lovely waterside walk takes you through the beautiful countryside surrounding the Isle of Man’s capital, Douglas. Parking up next to the River Glass, the walk initially takes you through Douglas Golf Course, founded in 1926 (and for golf aficionados, it was designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, who also designed the Augusta National in Atlanta, Georgia).
After which the path leads you up the River Dhoo, traversing a wooded glen and passing through the Nunnery Estate, with plenty to look at as you walk. This is a great trail where you’ll witness the confluence of the River Glass and River Dhoo, becoming the River Douglas. Although a relatively leisurely walk on grass and hard surfaces, there are some unsurfaced paths and tracks, so it’s best to wear walking boots.
North East Summits Five Peaks Challenge
Best for: Those who love a challenge
• Distance: 6.7 miles (but takes in five summits over 1,000 feet)
• Difficulty: Very strenuous
• Starts/ends: Ramsey A2 Road/Snaefell
This is one of eight walks that tackle the 25 summits over 1,000 feet on the Isle of Man, with this particular hike focusing on the five summits found on the north of the island; North Barrule, Park Lewellyn, Beinn Rein, Clagh Ouyr and ending at Snaefell Mountain, the highest summit on the Isle of Man.
As you would expect, the epic views and expansive vistas are well worth the tired legs at the end, whether you’re greeted by the vibrant greens of spring or the heather-strewn moorland of autumn. With any high-altitude walk, make sure to plan ahead. Check the weather (and be aware that the upland areas are prone to quick-changing weather), pack food and drink, and wear suitable hiking/climbing clothes.
Castletown
Best for: A gentle amble and history fans
• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starts/ends: At the swing bridge over the harbour/Lighthouse at the end of the harbour wall
This self-guided walk around the fascinating ancient town of Castletown, which was the capital of the Isle of Man until 1869, is a must for those seeking a gentle walk that’s accessible for everyone. Explore winding streets, picture-perfect fishing cottages, and the impressive Castle Rushen, one of the best preserved medieval castles in the world, while the harbour offers a glimpse into the town’s rich fishing industry, as well as being the home of the old brewery.
In addition, you’ll experience some of the town’s more unusual quirks, such as Hango Hill, which was previously a site of executions and boasts stunning views, the old Grammar School (free to visit), the harbour as the site for the world-famous Tin Bath Races, and the Old House Of Keys, which delves into the island’s political history. This great walk also handily passes cafés and other places to eat, so it’s easy to stop along the way for a break.
Bayr Ny Skeddan (The Herring Way)
Best for: The adventurous hiker
• Distance: 14 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Starts/ends: Castletown Harbour/Peel Castle
So-called because this was the coast-to-coast route once used by Manx fishermen to travel between the two ports, this 14-mile walk follows part of the Millennium Way, before passing through leafy glens, plantations, the romantic waterfall at the village of Glen Maye and climbing 150 meters to the Round Table, which lies at the base of South Barrule.
With signposts marked with a herring on a blue sign, the walk ends by connecting to the coastal footpath (Raad ny Follan) at Glen Maye Beach and heading towards Peel Castle on St Patrick’s Isle. This is definitely a walk for the experienced and those who have a good level of fitness, due to both the distance and the heights climbed.
Maughold’s Coast, Coves, and Viking Crosses
Best for: Nature-lovers
• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Starts/ends: Port Lewaigue car park
This is a fantastic circular hike that takes in the beauty of the north of the Isle of Man, and can be reached by the Manx Electric Railway by getting off at Lewaigue or Bell Vue and walking down the hill to Port Lewaigue. Taking in part of the Raad ny Foillan coastal path via the headland at Gob ny Rona, there’s plenty to see along the route. You’ll pass the beach at Port e Vullen, the Maughold Brooghs, and St Maughold’s Church with its famous Celtic and Manx crosses (and where you’ll also find one of the earliest examples of the Triskellion, the Manx three-legged emblem).
You’ll also see the Maughold Head Lighthouse and the tucked-away cove of Port Mooar. With breathtaking views, oodles of wildflowers to gaze at (including bluebells and orchids), and lots of marine wildlife and birds to spot, this is a must-do for nature-lovers. This route is steep in places, with open country and shoreline to traverse (an alternate path is available at high tide).
Feeling inspired to discover this wild beauty on foot? Take a look at our stunning holiday cottages on the Isle of Man and start planning your perfect getaway today.
