Top 10 Walks to Enjoy With Your Friends and Family This Winter

Walk more, worry less. Easier said than done, right? But here on the Isle of Man we offer some of the best walking trails in the British Isles. Whether you’re an ambler, a rambler, or a serious hiker, meet up with a beloved walking buddy and find your stride amidst one of the Island’s best assets – its extraordinary landscapes.

We strongly believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, so don your wellies/walking boots/trainers and try out one of the below walking routes with a visiting friend or relative this winter.
 

Whether a visiting family, or visiting a family here, we know your young explorers can tire easily so we’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly walks to excite every child’s imagination this winter.

1. Groudle Glen
 

A wizard, a railway, a waterwheel and many hidden fairy doors await you and your avid adventurers in this enchanting wooded valley. Groudle Glen, located on the east coast of the Island, is a peaceful glen, with a lively bubbling stream running through its length. Within the glen you’ll find a miniature railway, the Groudle Glen Railway, which is operated by local enthusiasts on certain days throughout the year – click here to check out their winter and Christmas timetable. The railway transports you out of the glen and out onto the Island’s beautiful coastline, stopping at the Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms before returning back to the glen – an enjoyable activity for children of all ages!

2. Ramsey Nature Reserve Beach Walk
 

Known as the sunniest area of the Island (even in winter!), Ramsey Bay was the Isle of Man’s first marine nature reserve, set up to protect fisheries and marine wildlife. On this walk, you can explore the town’s impressive Mooragh Park and Lake, as well as the sandy beaches that run all the way along the Island’s northern coast. Why not try rock pooling around the stone piers? Look out for any anemones, crabs or starfish! This walk can be broken into a shorter route of two miles or a slightly longer route of four miles.

3. Archallagan Forest
 

Archallagan, known as the Forest of a Thousand Trails, is popular amongst families, walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. Its network of paths will lead you to picnic areas, a dragonfly pond, spider maze, wooden park, and lots of puddles to jump around and splash in (better not forget to pack those wellies). The forest’s wildlife consists mainly of rabbits, hares, wood pigeons, song birds and moorland nesting birds – see how many you can spot whilst exploring this family-friendly forest!
 

Want to get the steps in whilst maintaining enough breath for a good catch up with a friend or family member? On these moderate meanderings you can experience the beauty of the Island’s extensive coastline to the winter hues of its glens.

4. Ballaglass Glen
 

Ballaglass Glen is a stunning wooded valley in the north of the Island, a favourite amongst photographers. With sparkling streams, wooden sculptures and stunning scenery, this enchanting glen is perfect for kids (shorter route available) and adults (longer route available) alike.

5. Glen Mooar and Glen Wyllin
 

Two beautiful glens, a disused Victorian railway line, an ancient site, a nature reserve and one of the Island’s tallest waterfalls – what more could you want from a short walk? Meander from Glen Wyllin to the top of Glen Mooar where you’ll find Spooyt Vane waterfall. If you have more time to explore, stop at the Cooildarry Nature Reserve which makes for a lovely wooded riverside walk.

6. Raad ny Foillan Section 5: Niarbyl to Peel
 

The Raad ny Foillan is a 100-mile walk around the Island’s entire coast, split into 12 manageable sections. This section starts at Niarbyl Visitor Centre before the footpath brings you down towards the Glen Maye. Here you can explore the magical glen which is filled with stunning waterfalls and rivers. As you continue, you will follow the winding cliff top footpaths which will finally bring you to Peel Hill, passing the renowned Corrin’s Folly, before descending down the hill towards stunning views over Peel and Peel Castle.

 

Looking to take it up a notch and blow away the cobwebs? Rugged cliffs, rolling hills, scaling summits – just a few of the reasons why the Isle of Man is a walker’s delight. Put your best foot forward and create cherished memories whilst hiking in the Manx hills.

7. Raad ny Foillan Section 3: Port St Mary to Port Erin
 

This unforgettable section of the Raad ny Foillan, arguably one of the best coastal walks in the British Isles, will have you traversing along a diversity of terrain, from grassy footpaths and moorland to rocky paths along sheer cliffs. Take a refreshing break at the halfway point, The Sound, where you can spot seals basking in the waters below.

8. Dhoon Glen Delights
 

Dhoon Glen is one of the Island’s most dramatic glens and waterfalls, known for its natural and rugged beauty. Nestled within the steep valley, the entrance to an isolated cove can be discovered, the cove of Dhoon Bay. Dhoon Bay, with its pebble beach and peaceful solitude makes it the perfect spot to rest, relax and re-energise for the walk back up.

9. Laxey, Agneash and King Orry's Grave
 

Magnificent views of Snaefell, the Island’s only mountain, and its surrounding hills, the historic Great Laxey Wheel, the Viking King Orry’s grave and the charming village of Laxey are all combined into one beautiful circular 4-mile walk.

10. North Barrule
 

Arguably the finest hill walk on the Isle of Man, North Barrule is the Island’s second highest peak, with the summit standing at a height of 1842 feet above sea level. From the Black Hut, you’ll first ascend the peak of Clagh Ouyr. From there it’s a moderate walk along the ridge of hills to the summit. Allow yourself 1.5 to 2 hours for this walk – you’ll be needed a well-earned hot drink after this hike! Check out our latest blog on the best cafes and coffee shops to visit this winter.

For more of our walking routes, including guided and self-guided walks, family-friendly walks, and Raad ny Foillan sections, click here.