Experience the Isle of Man Coastal Path, Raad ny Foillan – The Way of the Gull, a 98-mile (158km) footpath that traces the entire coastline of the Isle of Man. This spectacular long-distance trail reveals a landscape of dramatic sea cliffs, sweeping beaches, wild dunes, and the rugged mountain moorlands of the island’s interior. 

Ideal for walkers of all abilities, the Isle of Man Coastal Path can be completed comfortably in a week or enjoyed at a more leisurely pace, and the comprehensive Cicerone guidebook divides the circular route into 9 flexible daily stages. 

For those seeking further adventure, the island also offers the 23-mile (37km) Millennium Way, following the ancient route of Manx kings from Ramsey to Castletown, and the 14-mile (22km) Herring Way, which links Peel to Castletown via the hills of the interior. These trails can be combined for a variety of routes, from gentle day walks to challenging multi-day expeditions.

• Step-by-step descriptions, sketch maps, and comprehensive planning information help make the most of your journey.
• Traverse a rich variety of scenery, from the rugged cliffs and moorlands of the south, to the tranquil glens, beaches, and dunes of the north. The route passes through nature reserves, along disused railways, and past scenes steeped in history and folklore.
• Explore picturesque centres including Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown, Port Erin, Peel, and Kirk Michael, with information on accommodation, public transport, tide times, local services, and places of interest highlighted to enhance your walk.
• The best times to tackle the Isle of Man Coastal Path are in May and June, when sunshine is plentiful, and rainfall is low, while the holiday season ensures facilities are open, but the trails remain peaceful even at the height of summer.
• A glossary of Manx terms, insights into local geology and history, and a useful bibliography are included to enrich your understanding and enjoyment of the Isle of Man.

Plan your Isle of Man Coastal Path adventure with confidence and immerse yourself in the island’s wild beauty, rich heritage, and unique culture, guided every step of the way by the definitive Cicerone guidebook.

Isle of Man Coastal Path – Quick Facts

Trail name: Isle of Man Coastal Path — Raad ny Foillan (The Way of the Gull)   
Location: Isle of Man (circuit around the island), UK Crown Dependency   
Total distance: ~98 miles / ~158 km   
Typical duration: Around one week for the full circuit   
Trail description: Circular route described in 9 stages; longest ~15.5 miles, shortest ~7 miles   
Other routes in guidebook: Millennium Way (~23 miles) and Herring Way (~14 miles) also described   
Difficulty: Mainly coastal walking with short ups and downs (general fitness helpful)   
Terrain: Beaches, glens, moorland and rugged sea cliffs   
Navigation / mapping: GPX file download available for the Isle of Man Coastal Path   
Best season: Year-round walking possible; spring and summer typically best weather

Author Highlight

“In this guide I have tried to introduce you to the Isle of Man as I have found it. As a child I visited Douglas, and returned with memories of seaside bustle, horse-drawn trams and a lurching ship. My next visit was as a rock climber, which f ixed memories of a rugged coastline with crags and secret coves. A third visit was as a backpacker to walk the coastal path. It far exceeded my expectations. After the first day, gone were all my preconceived ideas of roaring motorbikes sporting dayglow stickers. I came away with pictures of primroses in Glen Maye, the sunset turning the surf to gold and the wet noses of the seals as they questioned my presence so close to their domain. I hope that as you follow the Manx footpaths you will collect as many happy memories as I did."

- Aileen Evans, author of Walking the Isle of Man Coastal Path

Preface
Map key
Overview map

Introduction
How to get there
The best time to walk
Parking
Accommodation
Public transport
Climate
Tides and times
Maps and compasses
Geology
Nature along the footpaths
History

Raad ny Foillan: The Way of the Gull
Douglas to Castletown via Langness
Castletown to Port St Mary
Port St Mary to Port Erin
Port Erin to Peel
Peel to Kirk Michael
Kirk Michael to Point of Ayre
Point of Ayre to Ramsey
Ramsey to Laxey
Laxey to Douglas

The Millennium Way
Ramsey to Crosby
Crosby to Castletown

Bayr ny Skeddan: The Herring Way
Peel to Round Table
Round Table to Junction with the Millennium Way
Junction with the Millennium Way to Castletown

Appendix A Glossary of Manx words
Appendix B Selected bibliography
Appendix C Route summary
Appendix D IOM Coastal Footpath accommodation list

Seasons

Year-round walking on the Isle of Man is possible, although spring and summer weather is best. April, May and June are driest; May, June and July are sunniest; July and August are warmest.

Centres

Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown, Port Erin, Peel, Kirk Michael

Difficulty

Mainly coastal walking with short ups and downs. Stages up to 15 miles long.

Must See

Point of Ayre, historic Laxey, the cliffs and secluded bays and inlets of the south and west and the remote west coast. Sea life and birds.

June 2024

The Marine Biological Interpretation Centre

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