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)
$110
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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
The delightful mixture of holiday towns and handsome villages, plunging cliffs and sandy beaches, rugged glens and wild moors preserves the rich vein of the Isle of Man's Celtic and Viking heritage. You will be captivated by the scenery and absorbed by the heritage of the island.
As you leave Douglas and head south, you'll perhaps catch a glimpse of one of the distinctive tailless Manx cats in a suburban environment. There are many stories, but perhaps the real background to this unusual animal is that it is just one of nature's interesting foibles.
Traveling into the countryside, you will come to Fairy Bridge. No island kingdom would be complete without its 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 fairies, you cannot be sure of a safe and pleasant visit.
The heritage trail continues to Cregneash, where you will visit 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. Here at Cregneash, the evidence of a rugged and self-sufficient lifestyle is brought to life in the original, well-preserved buildings. The serenity here, after the hustle and bustle of town, is something to be treasured.
Turning inland, discover a unique combination of geology and climate, and a rich variety of scenery and natural beauty, from traditional farmland landscapes to cliff tops and moorland. You will see charming river glens and wild, heather-covered moors. Notice on the hillsides how slate has been used for making field walls and sturdy farm buildings. A blaze of colorful wildflowers also decorates the many roadside hedges. You will travel along the road called the Plains of Heaven, which aptly summarizes the superb scenic qualities of this central district.
Your circular tour returns to Douglas via country roads and delightful villages with gardens full of summer color.
Please note: Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Tour requires walking over rough terrain, grass, and gravel surfaces. There are low doorways and small rooms in the village houses at Cregneash. Wear sturdy walking shoes.