The Isle of Man’s natural beauty and varied landscapes makes for a walker’s paradise. Whether you enjoy a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, there’s an incredible range of footpaths and trails to choose from on the Extraordinary Isle.

We’ve collated five of our favourite walks to embark upon this autumn. With something to suit everyone, the list includes sections from the Raad ny Foillan premier long-distance coastal footpath, as well as railway rambles and summit walks. 

North East Summits Five Peak Challenge

Known as the ‘Northern Wow Walk’, this hike truly lives up to its impressive title. You’ll walk the open moorland ridge to the summit of North Barrule, enjoying the awe-inspiring views over Corrany Valley, Maughold, and the northern plain, before heading south to take in Park Lewellyn, Beinn Rein, and Clagh Ouyr.

Once you reach the summit of Clagh Ouyr, you’ll descend to the black hut on the mountain road TT course before you climb to the top of the highest summit, Snaefell Mountain. On a clear day the ‘Seven Kingdoms’ can be seen from the top; the Isle of Man, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Heaven and the sea).

Railway Ramble: Ballasalla, Rushen Abbey, Silverdale Glen, Grenaby

This leisurely walk leads you through the serene Silverdale Glen, passing the historic Monks’ Bridge located north of Rushen Abbey, originally home to the monks of the Sauvignac Order and today showcasing medieval ruins and beautiful gardens.

After passing through the Glen, you’ll follow the Bayr ny Skeddan until you reach the Kerrookeill Methodist Chapel and continue on into the hamet of Grenaby before looping back to Silverdale Glen, past the Silverburn Ford and into Ballasalla.

Raad ny Foillan: Derbyhaven to Port St Mary

This route begins at the sheltered bay of Derbyhaven before continuing 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.

You’ll then 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 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.

Railway Ramble: Glen Mona, Maughold Village & Brooghs, Ramsey

Combining Manx heritage with an exhilarating hike, you’ll visit Cashtal Yn Ard, a neolithic tomb, before following the Raad ny Foillan past a Quaker burial ground and another neolithic site known as Ballafayle. Next you’ll pass Maughold Lighthouse and with a slight inland detour can discover The Cross House at Kirk Maughold, housing over 50 medieval stone crosses.

From here you’ll cross the dramatic Maughold Brooghs, home to St Maughold’s Well for those who want another historic detour, before passing Port-e-Vullen and Port Lewaigue and descending into Ramsey.

Raad ny Foillan: Laxey to Douglas

Starting at 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.

For more incredible autumnal walks on the Isle of Man, click here.