Walking on the Isle of Man

Discover the rugged beauty and remarkable variety of the Isle of Man on foot, with 40 inspiring walks that traverse its mountains, coastline, and enchanting National Glens. Explore open moorland, wooded valleys, sandy beaches, and bare mountain tops, where every path offers sweeping sea views and a taste of the island’s unique character. Encounter waterfalls, historical sites, and captivating wildlife, all within a landscape shaped by volcanic outcrops and limestone pavements.

Perfect for both casual strollers and adventurous walkers, this comprehensive Cicerone guide presents 40 routes ranging from 2 to 23km (1 to 14 miles), with clear options to combine shorter walks for longer, more demanding days out. For those seeking a greater challenge, the guide includes summaries of five longer routes, including the epic 153km (95 mile) Raad ny Foillan (Isle of Man Coast Path), as well as a taste of the Millennium Way and the island’s highest peaks, Snaefell and North and South Barrule.

• Experience the very best of the Isle of Man, from the windswept drama of Point of Ayre and the wild slopes of Slieau Freoaghane, to the enchanting wooded glens of Ballaglass and Dhoon, the ancient monuments and mining heritage near Laxey, and the sweeping summit views atop Snaefell and South Barrule.
• Enjoy walking on the Isle of Man year-round, benefiting from its mild maritime climate and an extensive network of routes suitable for families, half-day outings, or ambitious hillwalkers. Many walks begin close to public transport hubs, while detailed notes on local geology, history, and Manx culture, along with practical tips on parking and refreshments, make exploring the island easy and rewarding.
• Choose from 40 carefully crafted routes that criss-cross the Isle of Man, each featuring a 1:40,000 OS map extract, clear information on route highlights, parking, refreshments, and a handy glossary to help you navigate Manx place names and terms.
• Discover the rich heritage and unique identity of the Isle of Man on every walk, as you encounter ancient Celtic crosses, mining relics, vibrant coastal wildflowers, and abundant birdlife woven into the fabric of the island’s varied landscapes.
• Combine shorter routes for more ambitious days on the Isle of Man’s trails, exploring both the north and south of the island and enjoying the ever-present proximity of the Irish Sea, visible from almost every path due to the island’s compact size.
• Marvel at the Isle of Man’s contrasting scenery, from wild uplands and thickly wooded glens to tranquil sandy beaches, volcanic basalt towers, rolling farmland, and limestone outcrops, all packed into an island just 52km by 22km (32 by 14 miles).

Plan your Isle of Man walking adventure with confidence and see this enigmatic island from a fresh perspective. With the definitive Cicerone guidebook in hand, discover why the Isle of Man is truly a walker’s paradise, where every route offers a new vista, a glimpse of the sea, and the promise of adventure on every path.

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

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

Difficulty

Easy walking, half- to full-day walks.

Must See

Point of Ayre, Snaefell, rocky coastline, lobster in Peel, rolling moorland, spectacular views

Map key

Introduction

About the Isle of Man

History and culture

Archaeology

Geology and vegetation

A wealth of wild flowers

Birdlife

Climate

The Three Legs of Man

Getting there

Getting about

Accommodation

Walking and access

Mapping

Using this guide

The North

Walk 1 Ayres, Point of Ayre and Bride

Walk 2 Sulby and the Millennium Way

Walk 3 Slieu Curn and Slieu Dhoo

Walk 4 Orrisdale and Glen Trunk

Walk 5 Kirk Michael and Slieau Freoaghane

Walk 6 Slieau Freoaghane and Sartfell

Walk 7 Sulby Reservoir

Walk 8 Upper Sulby Glen

Walk 9 A taste of the Millennium Way

Walk 10 Maughold Brooghs and Port Mooar

Walk 11 Cornaa and Ballaglass Glen

Walk 12 Dhoon Glen

Walk 13 Clagh Ouyr and North Barrule

Walk 14 Snaefell from the Bungalow

Walk 15 Laxey, Agneash and King Orry’s Grave

Walk 16 The Snaefell Mines

Walk 17 Groudle Glen and Baldrine

Walk 18 Crosby, Baldwin and Union Mills

Walk 19 Slieau Ruy and Greeba Mountain

The South

Walk 20 Peel Hill and Corrins Hill

Walk 21 St John’s, Patrick and the Heritage Trail

Walk 22 Glen Maye, the coast path and Patrick

Walk 23 Glen Maye, Niarbyl Bay and Dalby Mountain

Walk 24 Glen Maye to Glen Rushen

Walk 25 Glen Maye, Glen Rushen and the Postman’s Path

Walk 26 Cronk ny Arrey Laa

Walk 27 South Barrule Summit

Walk 28 South Barrule Forest Walk and Corlea Plantation

Walk 29 Lhiattee ny Beinnee and Fleshwick Bay

Walk 30 Bradda Head and Bradda Hill

Walk 31 Port Erin to Peel

Walk 32 Mull Hill, Spanish Head and The Chasms

Walk 33 Mull Hill and Cregneash

Walk 34 Port St Mary, The Sound and Port Erin

Walk 35 Colby Glen, Ballakilpheric and Bay ny Carrickey

Walk 36 Scarlett Point

Walk 37 Silverdale Glen

Walk 38 Port Grenaugh, Port Soldrick and Cass ny Hawin

Walk 39 Port Grenaugh and Santon Head

Walk 40 Derbyhaven, St Michael’s Island and Langness

Appendix A Route summary table

Appendix B Longer waymarked walks

Appendix C Useful contacts

Appendix D Further reading

Appendix E Glossary of Manx terms and place names