29 July: Our last day on the Isle of Man. Before we board the ferry for the crossing to Liverpool, we need a leg-stretch – up to Howstrake and back. There will be trams galore! It’s quite a scenic stretch too, as the tramway climbs from sea level at Derby Castle to the clifftops at Howstrake, where there’s a great view of the Groudle Glen line to Sea Lion Rocks. Some of the views are below; to see the trams, visit Douglas Trams on Geoff’s Rail Diaries
28 July: The Manx Electric Railway runs via Laxey to Ramsey. For full details of our trip, and more rail-related photos, visit Ramsey and Laxey on Geoff’s Rail Diaries.
After visiting Ramsey and its pier, we returned to Laxey – almost. Getting off the tram at Minorca, we walked down to the harbour, then back up the glen to Laxey station.
27 July: we’re on the bus this morning, from just outside our hotel straight through to Castletown, and beyond – a bus stop giving access, via a very quiet country lane, to the shore path at Poyllvaaish. Once again, we’re following the Raad ny Foillan, this time via Scarlett Point and its remarkable rocks, back to Castletown. Here we’ll visit Castle Rushen, before catching another bus to take us on to Port Erin. We wander slowly down to the harbour then back to the railway station for our return run on the last train of the day to Douglas (on Geoff’s Rail Diaries)
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=225478&Y=467326&A=Y&Z=120
26 July: There are several scenic glens around the Isle of Man. Groudle Glen is a good example, and has the added attraction of a super little 2′ gauge railway – one which “runs uphill to the sea”. That’s why we’re here, but before the trains start running, we’ll enjoy the glen (and make the most of a dry morning – there’s rain coming later)
25 July continued: The entries below cover our two explorations on foot – Peel Castle and the Douglas Head Marine Drive. There was railway interest en route – remnant of the steam railway at Peel, and our steam-hauled journey from Douglas to port Soderick. Visit Peel to Port Soderick on Geoff’s Rail Diaries for the full(ish) story and photos.
25 July: Douglas Head Marine Drive – tramway no more
This standard-gauge (4′ 8½”) tramway closed immediately before the war in 1939, and never reopened. Providing a spectacular ride along the cliffs, the high-level route connected to sea level at either end using funiculars. Today we must use steps and feet… There’s a good road surface much of the way, though a short unstable central section is closed to vehicles, so there’s no through traffic, making for a quiet and most enjoyable walk.
Wikipedia: Douglas Southern Electric Tramway
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=236505&Y=473975&A=Y&Z=120
25 July: The railway from Douglas to Peel closed 55 years ago. Can’t help thinking it would be a valuable part of the island’s transport infrastructure today (and a more relaxing journey that the bus…). Unlike Castletown’s Castle Rushen, Peel’s castle is a ruin – a spectacular one on its rocky perch above the sea, and great for an exploration on this fine sunny day.
24 July: After arriving at Douglas and getting to our hotel, a stroll along to Derby Castle is just what’s needed. Passing horse trams on the way, we’ll then watch the arrival and putting to bed of the trams on the Manx Electric Railway. Visit “Manx Electric: Douglas” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries for more…
24-29 July: We arrived home yesterday evening after five nights in Douglas on the Isle of Man. There primarily for the railways and tramways, we intended to enjoy the island’s other attractions too, particularly some we missed on our last visit four years ago. It will take a little while to work through the hundreds of photos; in the meantime here’s a sample of some of the things we saw and did.
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