Category: travel

Port Erin is a beautiful seaside village in the south of the Isle of Man. In the Manx language it would be called Port Chiarn. In the distance, on the hillside of Bradda Head, you can see Milner’s Tower, a keyhole-shaped building reachable only by foot. It features the coat of arms of the village and was erected in the memory of a locksmith!

The 2006 film Stormbreaker (Evan McGregor) was filmed on the beautiful Port Erin beach.

“Rugged cliffs, rolling hills, picturesque glens, hidden coves and stunning views. These are just a few of the reasons why the Isle of Man is a walker’s delight. Whether you enjoy a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, there’s a range of footpaths and tracks for you to explore.
Would you like to walk around the coast of an entire country? The Raad Ny Foillan (Way of the Gull) coastal footpath, is a challenging 100 mile walk. The views and wildlife are so incredible that you may prefer to break it into smaller sections to really make the most of the scenery. Download the Raad ny Foillan Coastal Footpath Guide which splits the 100 mile walk into 12 manageable sections.
Walking is a very popular pastime on the Isle of Man. Aside from challenging hikes, you’ll find hidden coves accessible only by foot, stunning glens, rolling hills, meandering moors and a feeling of remoteness coupled with some of the most beautiful scenery in the British Isles. Our towns are full to the brim with interesting historic sites to explore or you may come across the remains of the Island’s rich Celtic and Viking heritage in the wild landscape.
Get started with our downloadable self-guided trails or family walks (for little explorers) or, for a more personalised experienced, book a knowledgeable guide, many of whom have a passion for the outdoors and can ensure you see the best of the Island on foot.
You may want to stop off at one of our Walkers Welcome Taste establishments for a bite to eat after a full day of walking to hang up those muddy boots, rest and restore in one of our walker friendly places to stay.” -www.visitisleofman.com

“The Isle of Man is home to an abundance of wild flowers and animals of many different species.

You’ll find lots of wild flowers and animals of a wide variety of species during your visit to the Island. Large areas of our countryside are designated as Nature Reserves by the Manx Wildlife Trust, aimed at protecting the species which reside in them. Some of these reserves, alive with the song of birds, are accessible by the public.

To find out when in the year you can expect to see different species out and about, please refer to our Wildlife Calendar.

Differences in Species
According to legend, St Patrick banished toads and snakes from the Island upon his arrival, and you won’t find any to this day. British mammals which are notable by their absence from the Isle of Man include voles, badgers, squirrels and foxes. By way of compensation, we can claim two particularly unusual four-legged inhabitants. One is the famous Manx cat, which is tailless and has longer hind legs than most other breeds. The other is the Loaghtan sheep, which has four horns and a rich brown fleece, and is thought to have been introduced by the Vikings.

Manx Bird Life
A charity was set up in 1997 to monitor and scientifically research birds on the Island. In 1998, they began their five-year research programme to survey the Island using new and innovative techniques. Research is conducted through both winter and summer months, to provide the Island with its first comprehensive study of birdlife on the Island. The presence of birds is generally accepted as a sign that the environment in which they are living in is healthy, so when fluctuations occur analysis can be conducted to establish what is changing within the environment. For more information about the Manx Bird Life, click here.

Basking Sharks
The waters around the Island are popular for a certain species of shark, although they are Plankton-eaters so they don’t pose any threat to humans. They thrive on the ecological diversity which is present beneath Manx waters. For more information about Basking sharks around the waters of the Isle of Man, please click here.

Calf of Man
Off the southern tip of the Island is the Calf of Man. This small islet is a perfect habitat for many creatures and as such is protected as a nature reserve. Only a few people live on the Island, although boat trips are organised for the summer months to allow you to explore the island for yourself.

Curraghs Wildlife Park
Curraghs is the Island’s only wildlife park. This spacious park has a number of different animals, from butterflies to zebras.” -www.isleofman.com

If you’re visiting the Isle of Man in September, a cracker of an event is the Manx International Classic Trial.

This is your view when you first fly over the Isle of Man, on your approach to Ronaldsway Airport.

A description of sunny Ramsey coming soon!

Arragon Mooar is the Isle of Man home of noted inventor/philanthropist Dr. John C. Taylor, OBE (add to that scientist,entrepreneur, pilot, artist, photographer, yachtsman, horologist, and all around Renaissance Man).

Dr. Taylor was recently honored by the Isle of Man Post Office with a stunning set of stamps, celebrating his ingenuity and innovation.

You can learn more about this remarkable man by visiting his website at http://www.johnctaylor.com