The Raad Ny Foillan, Manx Gaelic for ‘Way of the Gull’, is a truly unique walking experience. Where else can you experience a route that takes you around the circumference of an entire island?
It’s undeniable that at almost 160km/100miles in length, completing the full route isn’t for the faint hearted. However, the beauty of this stunning coastal path is that it doesn’t need to be completed all at once… Walkers can pick and choose which sections to complete based on their preference, ability, and the time that they have available!
We’ve put together our favourite sections of the Raad Ny Foillan route, showcasing some of the Isle of Man’s most magnificent views and scenery.
2: Derbyhaven to Port St Mary
Grading: Leisurely
Distance: 19.5km / 12miles
Starting by Ronaldsway Flying Club and the Wigeon Pool, admire the small boats in the bay as you make your way along charming Derbyhaven Beach. Continue onto Langness Peninsula, passing Fort Island which holds the historic Derby Fort and St. Michael’s Chapel. On the Peninsula itself you’ll see both the Herring Tower and Langness Lighthouse - look out for the local Highland Cows that inhabit Langness throughout the spring and summer!
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Follow the path alongside Castletown Beach, until you arrive in the Island’s Ancient Capital, Castletown. Pass by Castle Rushen as you make your way around Scarlett Point and continue on past the clear waters at Gansey Bay Beach. Finally, you’ll enter the traditional fishing village of Port St Mary via the sheltered Chapel Beach and its quaint beachside walkway, finishing at Port St Mary Alfred Pier.
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3: Port St Mary to Port Erin
Grading: Moderate
Distance: 11km / 7miles
Beginning at Port St Mary Alfred Pier, head past the TSS Mona’s Queen III Anchor Memorial and up the grassy headlands towards the impressive Chasms and Sugarloaf, with its hundreds of nesting seabirds. If you fancy a quick detour you can head into the Manx Folk Village of Cregneash where you’ll experience history frozen in time.
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Walk up Spanish Head, a dramatic area of coastline that rises from sea level to over 100m. The route continues onto The Sound, one of the most beautiful areas of the Isle of Man. You’ll have incredible views of the Calf of Man and its resident seals lounging on the rocks. Finally, follow the coastline path until you reach Port Erin Bay.
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4: Port Erin to Niarbyl
Grading: Strenuous
Distance: 15km / 9.5miles
Setting off from sandy Port Erin Bay, continue towards Bradda Glen. Start your ascent up Bradda Head, which you’ll find the iconic Milner’s Tower sitting atop. Follow on past Bradda Cairn before descending towards the largely hidden Fleshwick Bay before continuing on to Lhiattee ny Beinnee, enjoying the remarkable views on the way.
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After this, you’ll press onwards towards Cronk ny Arrey Laa, where the panoramic views are well worth the trek. Finally, you’ll approach the breath-taking Niarbyl Bay, where you can marvel at the charming fishing cottages overlooking the beach.
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5: Niarbyl to Peel
Grading: Moderate
Distance: 10km / 6miles
With your starting point at Niarbyl Bay, continue through Dalby towards Glen Maye, a picturesque glen featuring a babbling river and waterfall, as well as the wheel case of the Mona Erin, one of the many historic Manx water wheels.
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Passing the glen, you’ll follow the path past Knockaloe Plantation and approach Peel Hill, featuring the highly recognisable Corrin’s Folly. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you descend the hill towards Peel, a long-established fishing port and seaside destination that accommodates extraordinary Celtic castle ruins. End up on Fenella Beach, a pretty shore overlooked by Peel Castle.
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10: Ramsey to Maughold
Grading: Moderate
Distance: 7km / 4.5miles
Start the walk at Ramsey harbour, making sure to take in the views of the Victorian Queen’s Pier as you head south. Follow the electric railway line out of Ramsey Bay and continue past Ballure Walk, to your right you can spot Albert Tower up on the grassy hillside overlooking the coastal town of Ramsey.
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The path will take you past Port Lewaigue, a secluded and pretty shore that juts out of the coastline. Continuing on, the route will take you alongside another secret beach, Port-e-Vullen, which may have restricted access depending on the tide.
The route passes Gob ny Rona, the site of an Iron Age fort in times gone by, where there was also believed to be a canon battery dating from 1643 to protect the port of Ramsey. Take the short stretch of road until you find an almost concealed kissing gate to your left leading to a pathway that will bring you onto the Maughold Brooghs, a dramatic coastal cliffside. Continue on, taking in the awe-inspiring views, until you arrive at the scenic Kirk Maughold Church nestled inside quaint Maughold Village.
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12: Laxey to Douglas
Grading: Moderate
Distance: 15km / 9.5miles
Setting off from Laxey Promenade, follow the inclining footpath up to Baldrine and Garwick Beach, a charming beach that hosts tiny boathouses, a pebbly shore and an abundance of rockpools. Continue on to Ballanette Country Park, with its beautiful lakes and excess of bird watching spots. A short distance away lies St Adamnan’s Church in Lonan, which still has an original 10th Century cross in its graveyard.
From here you’ll walk onwards to Groudle Glen where you can stop to check out the Victorian Sea Lion Rocks and the Groudle Glen Railway that runs at specific times through the year. You can also ramble through the lush woodland and spot the historic water wheel and mystical wizard sculpture.
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Finally, the path will bring you along the striking coastline and down into Douglas Bay, where you’ll follow the promenade to reach Douglas’ Millennium Bridge located at the end of the bustling quay.
Related
Grading: Leisurely Distance: 19.5 km/ 12 miles This low-lying stretch of the coastal path follows the sea’s edge with views over rugged, rocky outcrops and wide sheltered bays with the option to explore the Island's ancient capital Castletown.
Grading: Moderate Distance: 11 km / 7 miles With cinematic views, pass sheer cliffs, historic villages and wonderful wildlife. This walk around the Island's southern coast is a favourite amongst walkers and possibly one of the best coastal walks in the British Isles.
Grading: Strenuous Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles This section of the Raad ny Foillan is particularly spectacular in mid to late summer when the surrounding heather and gorse are in full bloom. with plenty of uphill climbs you'll find mesmerising views throughout.
Grading: Moderate Distance: 10 km / 6 miles This section of the Raad ny Foillan begins at the picturesque Niarbyl Bay before the footpath leads you to the magical Glen Maye. Wind round coastal cliffs to eventually arrive at Peel Hill and Corrin's Tower before taking in the breathtaking views over Peel and Peel Castle.
Grading: Moderate Distance: 7 km / 4.5 miles This walk takes you from a bustling harbour town to the peaceful coastal cliffs of Maughold Brooghs which blooms with gorse and bluebells in spring. Arriving at the edge of Maughold Village, you'll find the church and shelter which houses the largest collection of carved Norse and Celtic crosses.
Begin your walk at Laxey Promenade, before following the steep footpath leading towards Baldrine. Take time to discover the isolated cove of Garwick Bay before continuing on to Ballanette Reserve. Here you can take time to explore the picturesque Reserve with its abundance of wildlife and coastal scenery.
Then we went along the route described in the article. It was a wonderful vacation filled with impressions.