Isle of Man

The IoM is the only big Island I have yet to visit now. I'm doing the Hebrides this October.

I would be very interested in hearing all about it - with photos of course!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/isleofman/hi/

Enjoy!
Graham

Now you're talking, Sparrow

I am very fond of the Isle of Man. Ex hub goes every year to the Manx Grand Prix so we always used to tag another week on for a family holiday.

So many places to see there. For doggy walking there are lots of public footpaths. The Seagull Way goes right round the island coast (only about 90 miles I think) The bookshops will have lots of books for more information.

The Calf of Man is best for watching grey seals, but they pop up everywhere - Peel is good for seeing them in the harbour - and the sunsets from the west side of the IoM are spectacular!!

Some useful websites -

http://www.iomtours.co.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/isleofman/content/image_galleries/wildlifemann_gallery.shtml

There is also Curragh Wildlife Park if you're into that sort of thing. It's quite well run.

where are you staying?

Pipit x

Hi Sparrow

I am afraid I cannot help with any information, so I look forward to hearing all about your trip and all the photos attached to your holiday.

Three weeks will pass in no time, and you will enjoy your holiday time away.

Do you always stay away for a week only or longer?

Regards

Kathy and Dave

Hi,

see my Isle of Man post in the WHERE to watch forum :)

S

Thank you Graham and Pipit for those links. I have bookmarked them to browse at leisure, but after a quick glance it seems the island is awash with wildlife.

I will be sure to post a few photos., and thanks for the good wishes Kathy.

We are staying in Onchan in an old cottage that used to be the village post office. Hubby has never been before, but I was there once at the tender age of 2 years!

We will do the full coastal path on our first morning. Ha ha.

My memories of the Isle of Man are seeing it from Blackpool where I was born and fetched up. It could be seen very occasionally at sunset, when the sun was behind the island, making it look as though you could touch it. Maybe once a year we got the right conditions for this optical illusion, and it was beautiful.

Onchan - just up from Douglas then. Douglas has all the "big" shops and is the busiest town on the island. Make sure you get out and see the whole island - lovely beaches, cliffs, mountains and beautiful glens. Not to mention the wildlife! Horse drawn trams go along Douglas prom - fab!

Try the Manx Queenies - little scallops YUM!! The cafe at Niarbyl Bay is great for local food.

I'm very envious of you!!! Please take lots of photos. And watch out for the killer seagulls!!!! (not really but they will pinch your sandwiches if you turn your back)

Have a lovely time

Pip xx

Hi Pipit,

We always do get out and about. No point in going to an area and not seeing it all. We always plan our day the night before, and we always take a picnic, even if it is raining. We avoid busy towns like the plague apart from when we have to stock up on food and wine. We love woodland walks, coastal walks, harbours, cliff tops, and like to find a quiet beach for the dogs to have some fun at some point during the day. Hubby doesn't object to driving and I navigate, so he goes where I say!!!

No need to warn me about seagulls - remember I am a Sandgrown'un. That reminds me of a time a few years ago when we were in Whitby. We had our old boxer dog, Solo, with us. Now no longer with us. We were walking along a narrow strip of road past the line of fish and chip shops and bars, where people were sitting outside on the walls eating their fish and chips. With no warning whatsoever, Solo grabbed a chip out of a man's hand just as he was about to eat it. Fortunately, the man thought it was hilarious, and Solo was re-named Seagull.

Hi copy that-  a big 10-4

Best sites were-

Peel-  view the sea and the harbour from around the castle- Basking sharks, seals. Fulmars, Eider,  Black guillemots.

Calf of Man, check the fields en route for Chough.

Langness-  a nice walk down to the point, commoner waders etc.

Point of Ayre - manx shearwaters, gannets, close views of auks- beware the young gullemots and razorbills that look quite odd.

:)

S

Thank you Seymour. I've copied your post and it will be very useful.