Isle of Man Travel Passes

Couldn't resist photographing this calf

When visiting the Isle of Man you don’t need a car because the public transport system is pretty fantastic.  Everything from modern day buses to steam trains.  In fact, steam train fanatics love the island.  The easiest (and cheapest) way to cope with the various fares is to buy an Explorer Pass.  These are available for various lengths of stay and can be used on all public transport. They can be purchased from the tourist offices at the air- and sea-ports.  If you want to use one of the privately owned trains then you have to pay – usually a nominal amount.

 

So what transport is there apart from the buses?  Along the seafront in Douglas are the Horse Drawn trams and for those of you worried about the horses, don’t be.  They are very well cared for and you can visit them in the stables.  They do a round trip then are taken to the stables for a rest.  On retirement they go to Home of Rest for Old Horses and, yes, you can go and visit them there.

The Electric Railway which began in 1893 runs seventeen miles between Douglas and Ramsey through the most fantastic scenery along the east coast.  Everything from craggy cliffs to gorse topped hills and green glens.  Like the Snaefell railway the carriages are historic and usually consist of two coaches, one covered and one open.  Incidentally, this is the longest vintage railway system in the U.K.  I should clarify that the Electric Railway is actually a tramway and the design of the trams was based on American ones of that era.

 

The Isle of Man Steam railway was formed in 1873 and puffs along between Douglas and Port Erin, a journey of approximately one hour.  The engines are so sweet – sort of baby sized.  Among the stops en route is Castletown, the original capital of the Island.  There are other stops but they are ‘request’ stops.

Port Erin is a picturesque corner of the island, was once a smugglers harbour and later a Victorian resort.

To ‘do’ the Isle of Man by public transport probably takes about two weeks but, if you don’t have two weeks to spare, you do have a good excuse to make return visits.  It really is worth the effort.

Snaefell and Laxey, Isle of Man

Anyone who is a fan of the BBC programme ‘Coast’ and presenter Neil Oliver will remember his comment ‘Could be a car park in Croydon’ as he stood in the clouds at the top of Snaefell, which at 2,036ft it is the highest point of the Isle of Man.  (It is said that on a clear day you can also see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.)

When our train reached the summit – or thereabouts – we had a Neil Oliver moment.  Time for a cup of coffee (or tea or something stronger) before the return journey.  Luckily by the time I’d finished my coffee the clouds had passed and we could see the views.  It was weird standing in the shade and looking down at the sun drenched fields and sea.

A Snaefell Railway Carriage

The journey up Snaefell is by historic train from Laxey.  The first one to scale the heights was in 1895 and I should warn you that the trains are no more comfortable now than then – wooden seats.  Hardly surprising as the carriages are either Victorian or Edwardian. 

Not long after we pulled out from Laxey Station the Laxey Wheel came into sight and the driver stopped to let us take photos.  Then we settled down to enjoy the scenery.  Farmland with small fields looking like patchwork.  The polka-dots are grazing sheep.  As the train climbs higher the scenery begins to change to moorland with rocky outcrops.

In the far distance - England

You can leave the train at the Bungalow Station and climb the rest or, like most of us, stay on the train to the top.  Incidentally, the café also serves meals so you can spend some leisure time up there, take a walk and catch a later train back down.

'Lady Isabella' - the Great Laxey Wheel

Laxey can be reached from Douglas and Ramsey by the Electric Railway.   This is where ‘Lady Isabella’ is located.  In other words, the Great Laxey Wheel – that huge much photographed red wheel.  It is the largest working water wheel in the world and the strong of leg can climb the spiral staircase to the viewing platform.  There is also the chance to explore the restored mine shaft.  In 1999 restoration of the former tramway began and it is now possible to ride in a tiny carriage beneath the main Laxey to Ramsey road and the Manx Electric Railway through the longest railway tunnel on the island.

Laxey has two distinct parts, the lower section ‘Old Laxey’ is down on the coast and has a very picturesque harbour and beach.  Plus a promenade along which to stroll.

Good walking shoes are a great help when discovering the Isle of Man!

The sun did shine!