Isle of Man Multi day (20-24/05/24)

Attendees; P Bridges, N Bridges, N Graham, D Hogg, D Peters, A Walton, H Jones and R Jones.

Monday

 We arrived on different ferries and Hugh and Ross flew into the IOM. Mr Walton met us off the ferry, I thought he was there to assist us with the luggage but to no avail. His phone doesn't work on the IOM. He was just after timings for the evening and following morning. 6 of us headed into town for way too much alcohol and a midnight kebab.

Tuesday 

The forecast was most favorable for today so I decided to do the high walk, Snaefell.  We met at 09.30 at Derby castle tram station for the 09.40 service to Snaefell summit. Having a change at Laxey for the Mountain railway tram. Mr Walton wasn't impressed as no new ticks for his trams. We all enjoyed the views at the summit before the short walk down to the cafe at Bungalow, but unfortunately this was closed in readiness for the upcoming TT fortnight. So off we plodded along the A14 road before turning right and joining the millennium path which would take us up to Ramsey. Lunch was taken in glorious sunshine with fine views of Ramsey and Point of Ayre. After a few liquid refreshments in Ramsey it was the 16.40 tram back to Douglas. 5 of the group split the journey at Laxey and enjoyed what became the last outside beers of the trip. We enjoyed sunshine and even a few spots of rain...The plan was to eat at Laxey but as we have found with a lot of pubs on the IOM  they don't do food, even though the internet had told us otherwise. So it was the 19.03 bus back to Douglas were we decided to go the chippy just behind our hotel, as we were all very hungry now. On arrival at the chip shop it was closed but next door was a Chinese takeaway which was also closed and to make matters worse the owners were sat in the window eating their supper. Note, a lot of places are closed on a Monday and Tuesday. We ended up at the Mannin hotel a few doors down from our BnB which again didn't disappoint us after using it on the recce week.

Wednesday 

Once again it was the 09.40 tram service but to Glen Mona this morning. Four of used the 09.20 horse drawn tram to the Derby castle tram station. After the glorious weather yesterday the murky and misty weather hadn't deterred anyone from today's coastal walk to Ramsey. Leaving the station a path took us down to a lane for the first few miles. It wasn't long before our first point of interest which was Cashtal yn Ard. We crossed the tram tracks and roads on several occasions before walking through Ballajora village then turning right and arriving on the shore line at Port Mooar. Lovely mile spent traversing the coast line before a steady climb up Maughold head and our lunch in a shelter which was very much appreciated by all. The final 3 miles dropped us from the coast into the village of Pot e Vullen then into Ramsey. These 3 miles proved to be the wettest of the day and any dry parts we did have before lunch were all but gone now. Back in the same pub as yesterday for some more liquid refreshments. Hugh and Ross had departed straight away upon arrival in Ramsey. While a couple of neds took the 15.40 tram for a 'tick' while the famous 4 stayed in the pub a little longer and caught the 16.10 bus for Laxey. Now Hoggy had had more than a pint. So this 30 minute journey to Laxey was going to push his bladder to the limit. It wasn't to be. He had to disembark the bus at Dhoon. On our arrival at Laxey we met the neds and and enjoyed a beer telling the story of why Hoggy was not with us. But then with a gust of wind the pub door blew open and he walked in with a beaming smile. His thumb still works, and after watering the grass as he didn't notice the toilet beside him, he had hitched a lift . The 6 of us then caught the last tram to Douglas and into The terminus for fine ales and cracking food. With the inclement weather we all jumped on the bus back into the town Andrew and Norah went home, (no not together!) while the naughty 4 went for a beer or two but ended up back at the digs at 23.30.

Thursday 

Different direction today and a steam train. The 09.50 service alighting at Castletown for our 7 mile coastal walk.  There's something about us and this walk because on the recce we had wet and wild weather and what did we have to day! Exactly the same. Although it wasn't a named storm today. There was a few options to cut a mile or two off the walk but fair play we completed the whole walk. We followed the road up to Derbyhaven before paths around the perimeter of Langness firstly taking in Derby fort and remains of an old chapel. While the wind and rain battered us seals were spotted as we left St Michael's island. We were now following the coast SW towards the Lighthouse. Along this path at various points the seals came into our view. We were now  beginning to think they were following us and laughing at those 8 land things walking in the wind and rain. On reaching the lighthouse we turned and headed NE and faced the rain. Those dry fronts soon became as wet as the rears. We didn't stop for lunch as it was decided to eat in the Sidings at Castletown which again didn't disappoint. We left at different times back to Douglas. Mr Walton opted for the train to Port Erin and had a go on the driver simulator. The beaming smile and certificate at Castletown that awaited us proved his capabilities with a score of 74%. Well done Andrew. We all met up on the  evening for a fine curry in Flavours restaurant which Hugh and Ross had already sampled on the first night.

Friday 

A free day for all. The neds went neding then travelled home via Ferry to Liverpool. Hugh and Ross enjoyed a day in Port Erin, while the other 4 obviously went drinking, via Peel, taking in Castle and the town before a lovely meal in the Creek inn. 

Saturday 

Myself,  Nicola and Norah had a 06.10 bus departure for the airport.  We spent twice as long waiting for luggage than the 21 minute flight. Mr Hogg was on the morning ferry back to Heysham on his £5 ticket. Hugh and Ross on the midday flight to Manchester.

Thanks all a great trip