The Raad ny Foillan, Manx Gaelic for ‘The Way of the Gull’, is the Isle of Man’s premier long distance footpath. At almost 160 km / 100 miles in length it provides the perfect opportunity to walk around a complete Nation!
Explore some of the best coastal walking in the British Isles on cliff footpaths, quiet sandy beaches, wooded glens and farmland as you travel through a whole variety of landscapes. Each part of the Island has its own character as you move from one landscape to another in what is sometimes called ‘Britain in miniature’.
The Raad ny Foillan can be split into as many stages as walkers like so as to match their preferences and style of walking - from a 4-day very strenuous challenge right through to a more gently-paced 12-day walk. Download the Raad ny Foillan Coastal Footpath Guide which splits the 100 mile walk into 12 manageable sections or cherry-pick the most scenic. The route from Derbyhaven to the Sound is a particular highlight for marine life and coastal scenery, as well as the challenging climb to Niarbyl from Port St Mary taking in the highest point on the coastal trail. You can also follow the route using Ordnance Survey Maps.
You don’t need to be a committed walker to enjoy the Raad ny Foillan, making the challenge fun for all the family. As the path winds its way along the Island’s coastline you will find a wealth of places to go and things to see and do; discover castles, enjoy unexpected encounters with local wildlife, take part in the many adventurous activities or relax on the beaches you will find along the way. A great way for families to explore can be found in the Seas and Shores guide.
If you are a keen Geocacher, why not try finding the 230 caches hidden along the route. To find our more, click here.
When walking the Raad ny Foillan, it is useful to remember that there are plenty of accommodation providers and eateries that you can visit as you make your way around the Island. Take a look at the Raad ny Foillan Where to Stay and Eating Out pages for more information.