Isle of Man Walks – 15 Exciting Trails & Routes

Walking on the Isle of Man is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful island. From scenic coastal walks to challenging hikes in the hills, there’s a realm of natural beauty to be discovered. In this article, I’ll be sharing 15 of my favourite Isle of Man walks to help you plan your next visit.

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Coastal Isle of Man Walks

The ‘Raad Ny Foillan’ Manx Gaelic for The Way of the Gull is the Isle of Man’s coastal path. At almost 100 miles in length, the trail circulates the entire island encountering a variety of landscapes along the way.  

Encounter thrilling clifftop footpaths, secret sandy beaches, charming glens and scenic farmland. It’s also not uncommon to come across a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, birds, and livestock.

1. Douglas to Port Soderick

I’ll start with one of my favourite walks on the Isle of Man and one that boasts some of the most picturesque coastal views on the island.

Starting in Douglas, the walk leads you along our iconic promenade. Follow the map below, and you’ll reach one of my favourite secret beaches before climbing beside the lighthouse and up to Douglas Head.

From here, you get spectacular views over Douglas before continuing on to Marine Drive. This section of the Raad Ny Foillan offers a contrast of scenery with sea views to the left and countryside to the right.

When you reach Port Soderick Beach, follow my route through the glen and catch a bus back to Douglas from the main road. Or, if you’d prefer, you can make this a circular walk by walking back to Douglas.

Douglas to Port Soderick Coastal Path Map

On The Go Map

2. Douglas to Groudle Glen

Again, this route begins in Douglas but instead leads you North along the promenade. It’s around a 1.5-mile stretch, allowing you plenty of time to take in the views of Douglas bay and the Tower of Refuge.

At the end of the promenade, you’ll follow the coastal road up to Onchan, winding through a residential area before taking a narrow footpath along the cliffside. By this point, you’ll get to enjoy sweeping views of the dramatic cliffs beneath you, all the way across the bay to Douglas Head.

Eventually, you’ll detour back to the coastal road, where you’ll find Groudle Glen at the bottom of the hill. Prepare to be enchanted as you navigate dazzling streams, dense woodland, and magical sculptures.

When you reach Groudle Beach at the bottom of the glen, you have a few options. You can ride the Groudle Railway, which can be a fun thing to do with the family. You can continue along the coastal path to Laxey. Or make your way back to the main road where you can take the electric railway back to Douglas.

Douglas to Groudle Glen Coastal Path Map

On The Go Map

3. Port St Mary to The Sound Cafe

On the slightly more adventurous end of the scale, we have this exciting 5 mile stretch between Port St Mary and The Sound. Honestly, I’d say this is one of most astonishing walks I’ve done in the whole of the UK.

I should mention that this section of the coastal path is a little sketchy in parts. Perhaps even treacherous at times, depending on the weather. With that in mind, it’s certainly not a hike to do with little ones.

Starting in the picturesque beachside town of Port St Mary, you’ll advance through grassy footpaths and open moorland before winding up on towering cliffs. Experience cinematic views and stomach-churning drops as you traverse the cliff edge.

Finally, as you reach The Sound Cafe, look forward to some well-deserved food and drink. This cafe is one of our favourite places to eat on the Isle of Man and flaunts panoramic views of one of the island’s most beautiful areas. It’s also one of the best spots on the island to spot seals and other marine life.

Port St Mary to The Sound Coastal Path Map

On The Go Map

4. Port Erin Beach to Milners Tower

If you’re short for time but want to experience the astonishing views that our coastal path has to offer, this Isle of Man walk is for you.

From Port Erin Beach (one of the best beaches on the Isle of Man, by the way), you can’t miss Milner’s Tower. The mysterious-looking structure dominates the view, enticing you to want a closer look.

There are various footpaths to reach the tower; some are slightly easier to navigate than others. But all of them will get you there in around 45-60 minutes. It’s a strenuous walk up, but worth it for the views.

So long as it isn’t too windy, I recommend following the cliff path up and returning through Bradda Glen. That way, you can reward yourself with cake at Bradda Glen Cafe on the way down, which is a must.

Another thing I’d say is to save this hike for a clear day when you can see all the way over to Ireland. Also, be sure to check the wind levels, as high winds can make walking here tricky and dangerous.

Port Erin Beach to Milners Tower Coastal Path Map

On The Go Map

5. Ramsey to the Point of Ayre

Another Isle of Man walks that’s accessible for all the family is this route between Ramsey and the Point of Ayre. This section is mostly flat, so the only thing you really need to be aware of is the tide. Some spots may be impassable during high waters.

That aside, this coastal route allows you to experience one of the most remote and unspoiled regions of the Isle of Man. While Ramsey is the islands second biggest town, you’ll notice a vast shift in landscapes the further North you go.

You can expect some of the astonishing coastal views in these parts before landing at the Point of Ayre – the islands most northern point. 

There’s not a lot to see here, other than an iconic lighthouse. But that’s kind of the point. It’s a secluded coastal area that attracts a wide variety of birdlife and the occasional seal. It’s also a prime spot for star gazing.

Ramsey to Point of Ayre Coastal Path Map

On The Go Map

6. Niarbyl to Peel

This next section of the Raad Ny Foillan is especially picturesque. From winding footpaths with clifftop views to magical woodland walks, you encounter a variety of terrains in a short space of time.

The trail begins at Niarbyl cafe, which is a nice spot for tea & cake if you fancy pre-hike. For the first mile or so you’re walking on the road, but I promise it gets a lot more interesting after that.

Around the 1.5-mile point, a footpath leads you down towards Glen Maye. If you can, I would spend some time here discovering the majestic waterfalls and rivers before continuing along the route.

From this point, it’s all undulating clifftop footpaths and mesmerising sea views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Eventually, you’ll reach Peel Hill, which descends into Peel while providing jaw-dropping vistas of the Peel Castle ruins and Fenella Beach along the way.

Niarby to Peel Coastal Path Map

On The Go Map

Plantation Isle of Man Walks

One of many interesting facts about the Isle of Man is our diverse natural world. On days when you want to swap coastline for wilderness, the Isle of Man plantation walks provide an opportunity to do just that.  

I imagine you’ll find our local plantations quite impressive.With their colossal pine trees and dense foliage, they wouldn’t look out of place in the likes of Canada or Switzerland.

7. Tholt-y-Will Plantation (Circular Walk)

Among the most picturesque plantation walks in the Isle of Man is Tholt-y-Will. Hidden beneath the shadows of Snaefell mountain, this is a steep-sided plantation with a variety of footpaths.

From the car park, the winding footpath ascends offering views of the Sulby river and the adjacent glen. It’s not unusual to encounter a few obstacles along the path, so be sure to take care as there are some steep drop-offs.

To complete a circular walk of the plantation will take you around 1-2hrs. However, you can easily extend it by adding on Tholt-y-Will glen, the Sulby Reservoir, or one of the other nearby plantations.

8. Ballaugh Plantation (Circular Walk)

To the west of Tholty-y-Will, there is Ballaugh Plantation. With its intrepid trails and steep inclines, this one is a favourite amongst hikers and mountain bikers alike.  

A popular walk to do in this area is the Ballaugh mountain warden walk. It’s not exactly a mountain, more of a steep hill. But the walk is challenging and the views are great.

To complete this circular walk of Ballaugh, you can take a leisurely walk across the plateau, where you’ll discover some cool ruins of Manx tholtans. 

Eventually you’ll re-enter the plantation and finish with a descent through the forest to where you started.

9. Archallagan Plantation (Circular Walk)

One of the easier plantation walks in the Isle of Man is through Archallagan. At almost 150 years old, Archallagan is one of the oldest plantations on the island, home to a staggering 2000 species of trees.

Due to its good network of trails and child-friendly footpaths, Archallagan is a popular choice with dog walkers and families. Unless it’s wet and boggy, young children should be able to walk here quite easily. 

There are some nice features here, such as picnic areas, viewpoints and ponds. The largest pond is quite a highlight, attracting plenty of wildlife, and is a great spot to watch the sunset during the summer months.

Glen Walks Isle of Man

The Isle of Man national glens are a blessing to this island. Each one is unique and magical in its own way, and we never tire of exploring them.

Home to charming woodland walks, tumbling waterfalls, pretty streams and other natural wonders, they are a wonderful place to escape and be amongst nature. The glens make for fun family and dog walks.

For such a small island, it’s hard to believe that there’s 18 glen walks on the Isle of Man. Here are a handful of my favourites.

10. Dhoon Glen (Circular Walk)

Dhoon Glen is by far one of the most exciting glen walks on the Isle of Man. Its rugged landscapes and lush vegetation feels almost tropical, and you can almost imagine yourself in Bali or Thailand.

An impressive waterfall lies halfway down the valley known as ‘Big Girl’. With a drop of over 40-metres, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls on the island.

As you continue to the very bottom of the glen, it opens up to a stunning secluded beach. It’s the perfect spot to sit and relax a while before attempting the strenuous climb back up to the top.

This is one of the tougher glens to explore as the trail is steep and can be slippery when wet. I wouldn’t recommend it with small children or those who have difficulty walking.  

11. Glen Maye (Circular Walk)

Glen Maye is one of the most scenic glen walks on the Isle of Man. The highlight being a spectacular waterfall and a striking bridged gorge that allows for epic views over the valley.

There’s a fair few steps down into the glen which eventually, leads you to the beach. However, it’s a short circular walk on a well-maintained footpath. For most, it is a manageable path.

For those less able on their feet, you have the option to admire the scenery from the bridge. It isn’t too many steps to get to this point, so that’s a more manageable alternative.

12. Ballaglass Glen (Circular Walk)

On the island’s northeast coast lies one of the most outstanding glen walks on the Isle of Man. Ballaglass Glen is an adventurous and well-maintained glen fit for all of the family.

A series of woodland footpaths lead you on an adventure through the glen, encountering various waterfalls and gorges. Look out for the mysterious sculptures and fairy houses that add a touch of magic.

Also throughout the glen are the ruins of old Manx buildings – Some dating back as early as the 18th century. It’s especially picturesque during Spring when bluebells are in bloom.

As you follow the river down to the valley, you’ll eventually reach Port Cornaa beach. The Railway Ramble is a popular walk in the area as it takes you through Ballaglass Glen, Port Cornaa, and Glen Mona.

More Unmissable Walks in the Isle of Man

To round off this list of walking trails on the Isle of Man, I will share a few more that I consider a must for all keen walkers and hikers.

These are some of the more strenuous and long-distance routes that I’ve covered in the article. But you know what they say, the harder the climb, the better view.

If you’re planning a walking holiday to the Isle of Man, you’ll want to add these suggestions to your itinerary.

13. The Millennium Way (Circular Walk)

Not for the faint-hearted, The Millennium Way hiking trail takes walkers on a mammoth adventure through the heart of the island.

Starting at Sky Hill in Ramsey, you’ll experience some of the best scenery the island has to offer. You’ll need strong legs as you navigate the hilly landscapes of the North, passing through the slopes of Snaefell before descending into Crosby.

Look forward to a wide variety of terrains as you follow the Silverburn River into Ballasalla. Eventually, after almost a marathon distance, you’ll arrive at the Medieval Castle Rushen in Castletown.

Interestingly, The Millennium Way is an ancient route once known as ‘Via Regia’. According to 13th-century history books, former Kings of the island travelled this exact route.

Of course, it’s possible to jump on the Millennium Way at different points to make the route shorter. However, if you’re up to the challenge, it’s an exciting and diverse trail not to be missed!

14. Snaefell Mountain Hike (Circular Walk)

Standing at over 2000-feet high, Snaefell Mountain is the islands tallest point. That might sound like a strenuous effort to summit the peak, but it’s actually fairly doable.

Depending on how in shape you are, the hike up is around 30-45 minutes. It starts off as a steady incline and gets gradually steeper as you reach the top where there’s a nice cafe where you can sit & relax.

I highly recommend adding the Snaefell hike to your list of things to do in the Isle of Man. But, if you’d prefer not to walk, you can take the Snaefell Mountain Railway instead. The train departs from Laxey periodically between April & September. 

Either way, the views are astonishing. On a clear day, it’s the only place in the British Isles where you can see the ‘seven kingdoms‘ (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Heaven and the Sea.)

15. The Heritage Trail

There aren’t many flat walking trails in the Isle of Man, however The Heritage Trail is one exception. It’s a nature trail for the most part and popular amongst families and cyclists.

This is a straightforward 11 mile trail that follows an old steam railway line from Douglas to Peel and provides some incredible countryside views.

Walking Tours in the Isle of Man

If you’re new to the island and would like to explore some of our more obscure or challenging walking trails, it would be wise to do so with an experienced guide.  

I can personally recommend Go-Mann adventures who provide a variety of walking tours here in the Isle of Man. 

Enjoy these Epic Isle of Man Walks

Well, that concludes my list of favourite walks on the Isle of Man. I hope you enjoy your time on our beautiful island. If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.

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