Derbyhaven and Langness Nature Walk

About

Distance: Yellow 1.5 miles, Red 4 miles 

Grading: Leisurely 

Terrain: Part surfaced, grass, sand and shingle

In the south-eastern tip of the Island, you will find the Langness peninsula which contains the beautiful secluded cove of Derbyhaven and the iconic Langness Lighthouse at the very edge of the land. There are two routes, one which is yellow and takes 1.5 miles around the lighthouse, and the other which is red and stretches 4 miles to incorporate Derbyhaven Bay. 

Both routes begin at the car park near to the Lighthouse where you can follow the path out around the headland and see if you can spot any of the harbour porpoises and dolphins that frequent the waters off Langness. 

Here, the yellow route leads you back inland towards the car park and the red route continues around the coastline to the eastern side of the peninsula. 

Around the headland, you will find the Herring Tower: a small stone tower built in 1811 as a daymark for vessels to spot the peninsula during the day and one of two stone towers that were heavily based on the roundtower at Peel Castle, even sharing the same diameter and entrance door as their older counterpart. There is also the hidden Provider Stone, which stands near the tower on the coast as a memorial to the Provider vessel that wrecked at Langness in 1853. 

Following the path along the east of the peninsula, you will pass by the Castletown Golf Links and once you reach the old Golf Links Hotel, turn onto Fort Island Road which will lead you to Derbyhaven. 

Derbyhaven Bay, a favoured spot by windsurfers, scuba divers and leisure crafts due to its sheltered nature and tranquil waters. In the bay, you will also find a further secluded island which is a bird sanctuary and home to the ruins of two ancient buildings. On the southern side of the island, there is St Michael's Chapel with is a Celtic-Norse chapel dating from the 12th century. On the eastern side, there is the Derby Fort which dates from the 17th century during the English Civil War as Derbyhaven was a busy port during this time.  

Advice and Safety Information

Some areas of the peninsula may be muddy. Care must be taken whilst walking along certain parts of the footpaths along route, as uneven terrain is a common feature. 

Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. The route will included some unsurfaced paths and tracks. Walking boots and suitable clothing are recommended.