Route 6 Laxey

Route 6 description

Degree of difficulty:Hard.

This short but hilly Laxey route prides itself on its scenic beauty but be aware that the initial climb is not for the faint hearted! Thereafter, there are several steep ascents and descents into pretty river valleys. The road on this section of the route is very narrow and tortuous. You will encounter some traffic over the first mile or so after leaving Laxey.

Total distance: 6 miles, 10 kilometres.

Major climbs/descents:Laxey to Ballaquine.

Sites of interest:

King Orry's Grave, Laxey Water Wheel or 'Lady Isabella', Laxey Mines Trail, Laxey Glen Gardens, Ballalheannagh Gardens, Fairy Cottage, Laxey Woollen Mills. Except for Ballalheannagh Gardens, which you will pass on the route, all these sites of interest are in Laxey.

Emerging from Laxey Electric Railway Station onto New Road, A2, take the steep hill next to the Total Filling Station in the direction of Baldhoon. The road is extremely steep to begin with, then climbs more steadily. Follow this sinuous, narrow road through the numerous tributary valleys until reaching the B12, at which point turn left. Follow the road round to the right (signed Laxey) and continue as it meanders its way down the hill towards the coast.

After passing the church on your left, turn right at the T-junction 1/2 mile further on. Almost immediately, turn sharply left onto the main coast road. After passing both Fairy Cottage and South Cape, fork right down Old Laxey Hill. After 1/2 mile you will reach Old Laxey at the Shore Hotel. Turn left into Tent Road to see the old harbour and Laxey Promenade.

You can return to the Shore Hotel along Shore Road. Cross over the old bridge over Laxey River and turn left up Glen Road, at first following the river. Cross the river and continue up Church Hill, under the tramway bridge and turning sharply right, return to Laxey MER Station.