About
Built on the site of an old keeil, St Luke's Church sits in the centre of the Manx countryside in the Baldwin Valley and is possibly the most isolated church but also in one of the most perfect settings on the island.
From its position high on the hill, it is believed to be the highest standing church on the island and from St Luke's door, you can see spectacular views over Baldwin Valley across the Manx countryside and on a clear day, you can even see as far as the Isle of Anglesey in the distance.
The church is always open to those seeking refuge or a quiet space for contemplation so please visit to find out more about the church or to experience the picturesque views across the green hills of Ellan Vannin.
A few minutes' walk up from the church is the ancient site of the Manx parliament in the form of a stone circle known as Killabane. Little is known about the site, but it is believed to have been last used as the site of Tynwald in 1428 and the cairn circle that remains now serves as a memorial to this assembly site, complete with a bronze plaque from the Trustees of the Manx Museum which was installed in 1928, five centuries after the earliest recorded assembly here.
A cross slab and lintel graves at St. Luke's Church also indicate the location of Keeill Abbon, the landmark for which the mound was named.
Despite its isolation, St Luke's is only a 15 minute drive from Douglas with ample parking so the tranquility of the church and its rich history is quick and convenient to reach.
From the church, you can also begin the Baldwin Bluebell Walk which takes you up alongside the River Glass to Injebreck Reservoir then back through the West Baldwin Plantation. On days when the water is low at the reservoir, you might also see the site of an old village that was built here before the reservoir was constructed.
