Local Walks

There are spectacular coastline, beaches, coves, glens and historical sites all within walking distance from Roy Cottage. On our doorstep is Castletown Beach which is truly lovely and there is a lot to see here, from sunsets to surfers.

There are many opportunities for short and long walks – from a gentle stroll to the nearby Rushen Abbey to a walk along the rugged coastal path to Port St Mary to one othe Island’s long didtance walks. We have outlined here, some walks you can adapt to start from the cottage, with links to downloadable guides from Visit Isle of Man.

Langness Peninsula Walk

A leisurely circular walk of around 7 miles/ 11 km.  Castletown, Derbyhaven, Langness, St. Michael’s Island.

Make your way east out of Castletown, past the historically significant Hango Hill. On the opposite shore of Castletown Bay is the west coast of the distinctively-shaped Langness Peninsula, and at it’s southern most point is St. Michael’s Isle with 12th century chapel and bird sanctuary. This is a stunning coastal walk with a historic interest and a paradise for marine and bird enthusiasts.

Scarlett Point Walk

A leisurely mostly circular walk of around 6 miles / 9 km. Castletown Station, Castletown, Scarlett, Pooil Vaaish, Balladoole.

This walk offers a variety of coastline, geology and ancient ruins.  At Scarlett Point, a short distance to the south of the town, there are the remains of an ancient volcano, fossils and thick sheets of limestone and an old limestone quarry from which the older parts of the town are largely built and nearby the Scarlett Visitor Centre.

Further along the coast you pass Close ny Chollagh, an Iron age settlement and the Black Marble Quarry at Pooil Vaaish. Further on to Balladoole historic monument site, then return back to Castletown through open farmland.

Silverdale Glen Walk

A leisurely stroll of around 2 1/2 miles / 4km. Silverburn River, Rushen Abbey, Monk’s Bridge, Ballasalla, Silverdale Glen. (Follow these instructions in reverse)

A short and leisurely riverside walk.  Allow yourself some time to  enjoy  the ruins and tranquil gardens at Rushen Abbey. It is a flat and easy walk along the river to Monks’ Bridge on the edge of Ballasalla. Here you can discover the delights of Silverdale Glen with its water-powered Victorian Carousel, playground, boating lake and café,

You have the option of returning to Castletown the way you came, by train or bus, or you could extend your walk through open farmland on a circular route past the hamlet of Grenaby.

Port Grenaugh Walk

A moderate walk of around 10 miles / 16 km. Derbyhaven,  Santon Gorge, Port Soderick,  Glen Grenaugh and Port Grenaugh.

A spectacular walk along delightful countryside, rivers, coastline and beaches incorporating a tiny cove and a little known glen. The small but steeply sided Santon Gorge is quietly spectacular, and Port Soderick offers a glimpse into a distant Victorian heyday. The rugged coastline of Santon is home to several cliff top fortifications. A quiet lane leads through to Glen Grenaugh to the peaceful hidden cove of Port Grenaugh, the mouth of Grace’s stream. Make a day of it, take a picnic and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.

A short walk from Port Grenaugh beach joining part of the Raad Ny Foillan, the coastal footpat, you will find Cronk ny Merriu, a grassy promontory towering above the sea. It has a trench and small hill, which is all that is left of a Celtic Iron Age defensive fort. The section along the coast is an ideal opportunity to spot sea-birds including choughs and cormorants and is part of this walk guide.

Long distance paths

Roy Cottage is an ideal base for some of the longer walks around the Island. Most trails are split into sections that can be explored individually. Castletown  is at the southern end of the Millennium Way long-distance footpath. The Raad ny Foillan (Way of the Gull) long distance coastal footpath, opened in 1986, also runs along the coast of the town, and The Bayr Ny Skeddan (The Herring Road) runs to the coastal town of Peel on the west of the Island.

The Triskelion Way Trail is a 36-mile pilgrimage trail extending from Rushen Abbey in the south to Maughold in the north, via Peel.  It historically significant places – for example the spectacular Spooyt Vane waterfall, and 9th century Keeill Pheric (Patrick’s chapel).

The Raad Ny Foillan Pilgrimage trail largely follows the Island’s coastal path the Way of the Gull, and includes  the remains of Celtic-Norse keeills (chapels) and carved crosses found on or near the Island’s cliffs, glens and beaches.

Crossroads Pilgrimage trails are designed for road users, highlighting key faith heritage sites accessible by car, bike or public transport.

Woodland and Glens

There are eighteen mountain and coastal National Glens spread around the Island. They are preserved and maintained in a semi-natural state. They offer free access to enjoy the tumbling waterfalls, deep rock pools and lush vegetation.