Sometimes the most interesting places to come across are those that almost feel undiscovered, small villages and towns that home some of the most beautiful places to explore, making you feel like you’ve uncovered somewhere hidden and special.

Sulby fits into this unique category, a small village that packs a punch with its extraordinary scenery, incredible local wildlife, and traditional pubs that are filled with locals, far from a tourist hotspot.  

Sulby River/Kayaking

At more than 15km, the Sulby River is the Island’s longest, with the stunning upper section tumbling and falling through Tholt-y-Will and Sulby Glen before rushing east towards Ramsey. Fast sections are interspersed by deep pools, bounded either side by the steep sloping fells of Sulby Valley.  This scenic river is an idyllic place to go kayaking, if you don’t have your own you can hire one from many of the Island’s providers.

Sulby Reservoir

Sulby Reservoir is the Island’s largest and deepest reservoir, lying amongst the rugged uplands and sitting beside the majestic Snaefell Mountain. This picturesque destination is a great place to go for a stroll along the water’s edge, or perhaps enjoy a picnic at the on-site picnic benches. Additionally, the reservoir is one of the 26 registered Dark Sky Discovery Sites on the Isle of Man, making it a wonderful place to go stargazing when it gets dark.  

Tholt-y-Will Glen and Plantation

Tholt-y-Will Glen is a steep-sided lusciously vegetated forest, set in the upper reaches of Sulby Glen. Its winding paths descend to follow a rushing mountain stream that flows to the beautiful Alt Waterfall, and forms a tributary of the Sulby River. 

Tholt-y-Will Plantation is located adjacent to the Glen, mainly on south and east facing slopes. Covering 100 hectares, its mixed conifers make for a dramatic, intriguing sight. It’s also home to many of the Island’s ‘tholtans’, a word given to ruined buildings that were often former dwellings. Two of Tholt-y-Will’s popular tholtans are called Craigmoar Farm and Sherragh Vane, with their moss-covered stone ruins they feel almost bewitching as they allow you to take a glimpse into the past.

Wildlife

Species that can be spotted in Sulby include Cormorant on the Sulby Reservoir, with Buzzard regularly flying overhead. If you’re lucky you may hear a Curlew around the moorland up by the reservoir and Hen Harrier can be seen hunting low over the moorland. Additionally, the grassland around the reservoir is of international importance for its rare Waxcap Fungi Grassland. 

Within the Sulby Valley, the river is known for its Atlantic Salmon, whilst the whole valley supports a wide diversity of bat species. Occasionally Mistle Thrush and Peregrine are seen.

Sulby Village is also known for a wide variety of bats. Grey Wagtails can be seen along the Sulby River near to the Claddaghs. Raven are regularly heard overhead. A walk up Cronk Sumark will give excellent views over the Ballaugh Curragh ASSI and Ramsar Wetland of international significance.

Food and Drink

If you’re looking for a bite to eat or something to drink, head to one of two local pubs located in Sulby; The Gingerhall or The Sulby Glen. Both give off rustic, cosy vibes and are a convenient and traditional place to fuel yourself for adventures around Sulby, whether that be a walk, kayaking, wildlife spotting or stargazing.