Isle of Man, Walking Tour

The Isle of Man has always been a gem in the British Isles for walkers.  The walking trails are as diverse as they are numerous and with 40% of the island uninhabited there are countless walk on and off the beaten track to discover your own story.  The iconic Raas ny Foillan coastal footpath, Manx Gaelic for ‘The Way of the Gull’ runs 100 miles around the entire island so you are spoilt for choice exploring cliffs, wooded glens and open farmland making up the rural beauty of the Island. Connectivity on the island is excellent ranging from buses to steam trains and trams. Local buses run as late as 1.00am in some areas.  It is very easy to make use of a good weekend on the Isle of Man as distances aren’t too far and transport makes that much easier!

9 May 2025

Depart Belfast International Airport at approximately 3.40pm arriving in Isle of Man at 4.30pm.  Take the local bus service from the airport to Douglas (Doolish).  Check in to your hotel.  Remainder of the evening free.  There are 3 Heritage walks around Douglas – Douglas Promenade, Douglas Town Centre and Douglas Maritime.  Do this at your leisure to give you a bit more insight into the capital of Isle of Man.

10 May 2025

Breakfast at hotel.  This morning walk to the train station and take the steam train to Castletown.  A stunning coastal walk to Langness Peninsular, with a historic fort and keeill thrown in for interest. A paradise for marine and bird enthusiasts.

St Michael's Isle also known as Fort Island forms the northern most point of the Langness Peninsula. Once cut off at high tide it is now connected to Langness by a causeway. The Chronicles of the Kings of Mann and the Isles recorded two great battles here. 

St Michael's Chapel, a 12th-century Celtic Norse keeil, is located on the south side of the isle. On the east side you'll find Derby Fort which was built by James Stanley, the 7th Earl of Derby and Lord of Mann in 1645, during the English Civil War to protect the once busy port of Derbyhaven.

The isle's wild vegetation and rocky coast acts as a natural nesting ground for birds. At the southern tip you'll find Herring Tower and Langness Lighthouse before making the journey back to Castletown.

If you are feeling energetic you could continue to Port Erin around 7kms away.  For those who wish to return to Douglas the coach service is available from the centre of Castletown.  There is a regular bus service from Port Erin & Castletown to Douglas, so you may wish to stay in  Port Erin or Castletown into the evening.  The station Hotel in Port Erin is a great spot for food as is the George in Castletown. Overnight in Douglas.

11 May 2025

Today, take the local bus from Douglas to Peel.  Peel boasts one of the most beautiful beaches on Isle of Man.  Its coastline is dominated by Peel Castle.  A kipper bap from the local hot food outlet or an ice cream from Davison’s is a must on this trip.  As you set off from Peel on the Heritage Trail, you can walk the old trail the whole way back to Douglas. We will cover 6-8kms initially.  If you aren’t feeling just as energetic but fancy a good walk for a couple of hours on the Clifftop Stroll and spot the many Victorian hotspots.  The route takes you past the Crg Malin hotel opened in 1887 and along Marine Parade.  Pass the bowling club up a series of steps until your reach the headland.;  The view form here is beautiful.  Follow the path up pas the Millenium Stone and as you look down you will see the Traie Fogog baths  opened in 1896 and not closed until early 1970s. This is a picturesque walk with moderate walking ability.  Peel is part of the Raa ny Foillan coastal path. Return by local bus to Douglas.

12 May 2025

Breakfast at hotel.  You still have an hour or so to take a morning stroll before returning to the airport for your flight at 11.50am arriving in Belfast at 12.30pm.

This tour is based on limited numbers.  Places will be offered on a first come first serve basis.

Price per person sharing:   £575pp

Single Room Supplement:  £150     (subject to availability)           

Double room for sole occupancy Supplement:  £225 (subject to availability)

Price includes:-

• Return flights from Belfast International airport with a rucksack that fits under the seat in front of you.  If you wish to take a large cabin bag or hold luggage, the price ranges from £42 to £64 return.
• 3 nights 3/4 * accommodation
• Breakfast
• One way steam train journey with Isle of Man Steam Railways
• Go Card including the Hullad Oie Night Owl Pass for the night owls!
• Tram to Laxey
• Tour escorted by a representative of Thompson Travel International

Not included: Meals other than specified, items of a personal nature, personal insurance

Participants are free to enjoy longer walks if they wish to do so.  The leader will remain with the majority of walkers based on the itinerary.  The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ability of participants.  Flights are subject to change.

Payments:

Deposit            £150pp on booking and with completed booking form

2^nd payment    £150pp by 9 December 2024

Final balance  by 7 March 2025

Please ensure you have adequate insurance for your trip. 

Please ensure you add this reference to your booking if you are making a payment online

REF:    IOMMAY25 followed by your surname

Sort Code        90 23 54

Account           64837731

Name              Thompson Travel International