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Cycling
Cycling around the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is best explored on bicycle either on the quiet roads or on the
six designated cycle tracks: The Ramsey trail, Castletown trail, Peel trail, Laxey
trail, Port Erin trail and Douglas trail. The start and end points of all trails
except the Peel trail are accessible by Steam Train or Manx Electric Railway Tram.
Bikes can easily be rented and they can be carried at a small cost on both the steam
railway and MER tramway.
Ramsey trail
The Ramsey trail is an easy cycle ride suitable for all, along quiet flat roads
of Ayre. The distance is 16 miles and is a relaxing cycle ride where you will appreciate
the rural tranquillity set against a backdrop of the Manx hills. Sites of interest
along the way include: Ramsey Railway Visitor Centre, The Grove Rural Life Museum,
Point of Ayre, The Ayres Visitor Centre, Knock-e-Doonee Boat Burial, Andreas Crosses
and Ballachurry Civil War Fort.
Castletown trail
A scenic route which is mainly on small country lanes, the Castletown trail offers
a relaxing tour to St Mark's that is easily accomplished by all age groups and levels
of fitness. Although slightly hilly, there are no major climbs or descents and has
been graded as 'easdy'. The distance of the Castletown trail is 13 miles. Sights
of interest along the way include: Castle Rushen, the Nautical Museum, St Michael's
Fort, St Michael's Chapel, St Mark's Church, Rushen Abbey, the 14th Century Monk's
Bridge at Ballasalla, Shebeg Pottery, the water-powered carousel in Silverdale and
Silverdale Glen.
Peel trail
Starting at the House of Manannan, the Peel trail is the most popular trail and
should be first on your list if you plan to cycle on the Isle of Man. As well as
taking in the coastal port of Peel and its impressive Castle, this 10 miles route
goes through the picturesque villages of St John's and Glen Maye. The climb up to
Snuff the Wind is well worth the effort with the spectacular views of the Island
and beyond.
Laxey trail
The hilly but short Laxey trail is a more challenging route that prides itself on
its scenic beauty. Although only 6 miles in length, the initial climb is not for
the faint hearted and the trail is classed as 'hard'. There are several steep ascents
and descents into pretty river valleys and narrow roads along the way where you
will encounter some traffic over the first mile after leaving Laxey.
Port Erin trail
A fairly hilly trail that is 14miles in length and provides an excellent opportunity
to observe wild seals at the southernmost point on the Isle of Man and the splendour
of the Manx coast at Bradda Head. Other sites of interest along the way include:
Port Erin Railway Museum, Meayl Circle, Cregneash Folk Museum, Viking Ship burial
ground at Balladoole and Milner's Tower.
Douglas trail
For the keen cyclist there is the hard, 27 mile Douglas trail that provides an exploration
of the hilly countryside around the Island's capital. Most of the route is along
quiet lanes, there are main roads that need to be tackled and traffic in Douglas
can get busy. Key sites along the way include: Manx Museum, Horse Trams, Manx Electric
Railway, Groudle Glen and Groudle Glen Railway, Molly Quirk's Glen, Port Soderick
and Marine Drive.
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Isle of Man Tourist Attractions
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Attractions to visit in Isle of Man:
 Laxey Water Wheel, Laxey
 Groudle Glen Railway, Douglas
Gaiety Theatre, Douglas
Curraghs Wildlife Park, Ballaugh
Langness Lighthouse, Castletown
Sound Visitor Centre, Cregneash
 Snaefell Mountain Railway, Laxey
Onchan Pleasure Park, Onchan
 House of Manannan, Peel
Tower of Refuge, Douglas
 Maughold Head Lighthouse, Ramsey
Peel Bay, Bay
Peel Castle, Peel
Manx Electric Railway
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Isle of Man Tourist Attractions
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