Isle of Man Guided Walking with Sightseeing Holiday

Distance: 3 miles (5km) 

Ascent: Minimal

Our first day begins with an introduction to the history of the Isle of Man at Manx Museum. Bursting with artefacts and unique treasures, the museum takes us from the stone age through to the modern era. We’ll discover the island’s Viking and Celtic heritage and get up to speed with the world-famous TT races which take place on the Island every year.  

After lunch we’ll board the Isle of Man Steam Railway and journey from Douglas to Castletown on a line that has been running since 1874. We’ll pass through beautiful farmland and enjoy coastal views as we make our way south.  

In Castletown we’ll visit Castle Rushen, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the British Isles. Built 800 years ago for a Viking King, the castle has been a Civil War fortress and the island’s Victorian prison.  

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km) split over two walks (Laxey Mines and Descent from The Bungalow). 

Ascent: Minimal 

Descent: 1,300 ft (400m)   

We start our day with a ride on the Manx Electric Railway as we head north along the coast to The Great Laxey Wheel. One of the Isle of Man’s most iconic landmarks, it is the largest working water wheel in the world and was built in 1854 to pump water from the Glen Mooar part of the Great Laxey Mines Industrial Complex. There will be time to visit the wheel and ascend the viewing platform, with an optional walk to the mines.  

Returning to the tram stop we’ll take the Snaefell Mountain Railway to the top of Snaefell, the Island’s only mountain. At 621m above sea level, on a clear day the summit offers views to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.  

After a breather at the top of Snaefell we’ll descend using the Mountain Railway to The Bungalow station, before alighting to enjoy a walk back to Laxey, descending alongside the disused mines of Laxey Glen.  

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) split over two walks (easy urban walk to bus stop and Tynwald Hill to Peel) 

Ascent: 460 ft (140m) on Tynwald Hill to Peel walk. 

After a walk from the hotel to Douglas bus station, we journey to the village of St Johns, home to Tynwald Hill - one of the Island’s most distinctive landmarks. Established by Norse Vikings over a thousand years ago, it still plays host to an open-air meeting of the Island’s parliament, Tynwald, once a year.  

After time to explore Tynwald Hill and its history, we’ll follow a disused railway track heading towards Peel, before ascending Corrin’s Hill to view Corrin’s Tower. Built around 1806 by Mr Thomas Corrin in memory of his wife Alice, the tower was entrusted to Trinity House who used it for coastguard duties until the 1920’s.  Descending into Peel we’ll take a small orientation tour before free time allows you to explore as you wish. There is plenty to see and do, with Peel Castle, The house of Mannanan Museum and Leece Museum within easy walking distance. 

Distance: 6 miles (10.5km)  

Ascent: 1,575 ft (480m)  

We start today with another journey on the Isle of Man Steam Railway as we head to Port Erin on the south of the Island. From here we follow the undulating Raad ny Foillan coast path to The Sound. Found at the Island’s very southern tip, The Sound is abundant with wildlife and natural wonders. A hotspot for seals sunbathing, the area is also frequented by dolphins and basking sharks. You’ll enjoy views across to the Calf of Man, a 600-acre islet, which is home to 33 species of seabirds including the Manx Shearwater.  

Continuing on the Raad ny Foillan we’ll follow the coast before jutting inland to Cregneash, the oldest open-air folk museum in Britain. Here you can step back in time to see how crofters used to live and work in the farming community. You may even spot a Manx cat!  

After ample time to explore we’ll ascend Mull Hill, the site of a chambered cairn called Meayll Circle before descending to Port Erin where we’ll end our day.  

Distance: 6.2 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 600 ft (180m) 

On our final day of exploration we’ll take the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas to Ballure, enjoying views of the rolling countryside and coastal waters as we go. From there we’ll walk to Glen Auldyn, passing Albert Tower and the infamous TT hairpin en route. We spend part of the afternoon at Milntown, the island’s only historic estate with 15 acres of gardens and woodland to explore. Throughout the gardens you can find rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, with the kitchen gardens boasting a wide range of traditional, heritage and modern varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers. To finish the day, we’ll head back to Ramsey to enjoy a short tour of the Fynoderee Distillery. Their premium spirits feature Manx grown and hand foraged botanicals and are distilled, bottled and served at the Distillery – a fitting way to toast a fantastic few days of everything Manx.  

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.