THE RAAD NY FOILLAN TRAIL

The Raad Ny Foillan Pilgrimage trail – in 12 sections – largely follows the Way of the Gull, the Island’s coastal path which celebrated 30 years in 2016, and includes the remains of Celtic-Norse keeills (chapels) and carved crosses found on or near the Island’s cliffs, glens and beaches. Completing the whole circuit represents a 5 day challenge of over 100 miles for experienced walkers, but its’ 12 sections allow individual stages to be explored.

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SECTION 1 – DOUGLAS TO DERBYHAVEN

Excellent coastal scenery along Marine Drive to Port Soderick then inland for a short while before rejoining the coast and on to Port Grenaugh, pressing south past the Airport, to Derbyhaven – 12.5 miles.

SECTION 2 – DERBYHAVEN TO PT ST MARY

Explore the keeill and fort on Langness before walking through the ancient capital of Castletown then via Scarlett and Gansey into the sleepy fishing village of Port St Mary – 12 miles.

SECTION 3 – PORT ST MARY TO PORT ERIN

Port St Mary to Port Erin – Superb clifftop walking around the Chasms to Spanish Head and down to the tip of the Island at the Sound – views of the Calf and possibly seals from the cafe! Turn north along level clifftops into Port Erin – 7 miles.

SECTION 4 – PORT ERIN TO DALBY

Port Erin to Dalby – Glorious – but tough! From Bradda Head down to Fleshwick then up and down again to the Sloc before climbing to the summit cairn of Cronk Ny Irree Laa with extensive views over the whole island – then down to Dalby village – 9.5 miles.

SECTION 5 – DALBY TO PEEL

Soon into Glen Maye where we follow a wooded path down to the beach. Follow the cliff path, enjoying more fine views all the way over Peel Hill, then down into the town – 6 miles.

SECTION 6 – PEEL TO KIRK MICHAEL

Much of this section follows the route of the old Manx Northern Railway, passing through the scenic Glen Mooar and Glen Wyllin. A short hop takes us into Kirk Michael with its fine crosses and memorials in the parish church – 7 miles.

SECTION 7 – KIRK MICHAEL TO JURBY

Kirk Michael to Jurby – Much of this section follows the shingle beach – enjoy the company of oystercatchers and gulls and leave the shore at Sartfield en route to Jurby – 7 miles

SECTION 8 – JURBY TO POINT OF AYRE

Jurby to Point of Ayre – Beach walking all the way here, crossing the Lhen Trench and looking out for a variety of birdlife – and you’ll be on sand and gravel deposited after the Ice Age! Strong currents gather as we approach the Point of Ayre – 8.5 miles.

SECTION 9 – POINT OF AYRE TO RAMSEY

Heading south along the beach with the impressive steep cliffs of the Bride hills on our right, and underfoot stones carried here from England, Ireland and Scotland by ancient glaciers. Fine views of Maughold ahead, as we approach Ramsey – 5.5 miles.

SECTION 10 – RAMSEY TO MAUGHOLD

From Ramsey we follow the Coastal Footpath to Port e Vullen then fine clifftop walking – often in the company of seabirds – all the way into Maughold, with its church and fine crosses – 4.5 miles.

SECTION 11 – MAUGHOLD TO LAXEY

Around the coast to Port Mooar then climbing inland to enjoy fine views from the Quaker Burial Ground then down through the Cornaa valley to the beach before climbing to cross the Electric Railway line and on to Laxey – 8.5 miles.

SECTION 12 – LAXEY TO DOUGLAS

On the coast road, then down to Garwick, and onwards to the delightful St Adamnan’s church. Then along a quiet road before descending to Groudle beach and over Onchan Head with views of Douglas opening up before us – journey’s end! – 9.5 miles.