Isle of Man Scenic Heritage Trail
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Port
Douglas, Isle of Man
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$120
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Beautiful scenery is the star of the show on this green dot of an island in the middle of the Irish Sea. Resort towns and handsome villages, plunging cliffs and sandy beaches, rugged glens and wild moors preserve the rich vein of the Isle of Man’s Celtic and Viking heritage.
Leave Douglas on a panoramic drive and head south, hoping for a glimpse of one of the distinctive tailless Manx cats in their urban environment.
Traveling into the countryside, you’ll come to the Fairy Bridge. No island kingdom would be complete without its share of legends and superstitions, and the Isle of Man is richly endowed with both. It is said that if you cross the Fairy Bridge without so much as a Laa Mie (good day) to the Little People, you cannot be sure of a safe and pleasant visit.
The heritage trail continues to Cregneash for a visit to the Folk Museum. Cregneash is isolated from the rest of the island and was one of the last strongholds of the traditional skills and customs that characterized the crofters’ way of life. Their rugged and self-sufficient lifestyle is brought to life in the original, preserved buildings and unusual serenity here.
Continue to the island’s very southern tip and to The Sound -- one of the most scenic places in the British Isles. Teeming with wildlife and natural wonders, this area is a hotspot to watch seals sunbathing and is also frequented by dolphins and basking sharks. Enjoy some free time to relax here.
Turning inland, view the natural beauty of charming river glens and wild heather-covered moors. Notice how slate has been used to make drystone walls and farm buildings. A blaze of colorful wildflowers also decorates the many roadside hedges (seasonally). Follow the road called the Plains of Heaven -- a name that aptly summarizes the superb scenic qualities of this central district. The circular route returns you to Douglas via country roads and delightful villages with gardens full of summer color.
Please note: Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, gravel, grass, and steps. There are low doorways and small rooms in the village houses at Cregneash. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.