ISLE OF MAN – Day 1 – Chasms, Sugar Loaf Rock & a Baby Seal
The one with the steam train, seal-spotting, and dramatic cliffs.
🥾 Distance: 9 glorious miles
⛅️ Weather: Started with a polite drizzle, but quickly turned into a breezy blue-sky day, perfect for adventuring! Ended with ice cream in the sun. ☀️🍦
SUMMARY:-
From puffing steam trains and dramatic cliffside trails to ancient anchors, baby seals, and a lighthouse named after poultry, today had it all. We followed the southern slice of the Isle of Man’s coastal path, rich in history, natural beauty, and a few wobbly legs after some steep descents!
🍳 8:00 AM – A Breakfast Fit for a Hiker
We fuelled up like royalty. The breakfast buffet had everything from homemade granola to pastries, eggs to endless bacon, and possibly too much coffee (oops). Fully caffeinated and carb-loaded, we were ready to conquer the coast.
🚂 9:42 AM – Steam Dreams
Ken gathered us in reception for a quick briefing, and then we strolled into town to grab our packed lunches. Then came the real fun – we boarded the vintage Isle of Man Steam Railway, a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of travel.
The platform buzzed with excitement as the whistle blew. The carriage smelt like warm oil and coal smoke, a scent that somehow makes you want to wear a flat cap and talk in old-timey slang. We squeezed into little wooden compartments and clattered along the tracks with wide-eyed glee.
🇮🇲 10:36 AM – A Brief History of Independence
As the countryside whooshed by, Ken explained the fascinating uniqueness of the Isle of Man. It’s not part of the UK – it’s a self-governing Crown dependency with its own health care, education, and government. The locals vote in the Tynwald, the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Who knew?!
🥾 11:02 AM – All Aboard… No More
We disembarked at the quaint village of Port St Mary and made our way to the start of the official Isle of Man Coastal Path — which, by the way, we’re planning to turn into a full walking event next August. Watch this space!
Quick stop at some surprisingly pristine Victorian public loos (with hot running water no less!), and we were off, hugging the bay.
⚓️ 11:37 AM – Rock Stars & Anchors
Ken, our rock whisperer, brought the coastline to life with tales of ancient fossils, coral beds, and even shark teeth embedded in the rocks beneath our feet. His enthusiasm was infectious — who knew pebbles could be this exciting?
We climbed towards King Orry’s Anchor, a mysterious slab of rock steeped in legend. Named after a 10th-century Norse king (also the island’s national hero), it’s said to resemble an anchor, though some believe it was once part of a Neolithic burial site. Either way, it’s an epic marker with views to match.
🌊 12:13 PM – “If You Get Lost, Keep the Sea to Your Left”
Classic Ken advice. We pushed on, the sea sparkling beside us, and soon reached Spanish Head and the iconic Chasms, deep fissures in the cliffs that make the land look like it’s been dramatically ripped apart by giants. Nearby stood the towering Sugar Loaf Rock, looking exactly like its name. Sort of. Squint a little.
Ken pointed out seabirds flying overhead (I’ve forgotten the names, but they were impressive!), and we paused for snacks and selfies at the halfway point.
🍗 1:15 PM – BBQ Rocks & Chicken Island
As we wandered along, we spotted a curious circle of standing stones. Ken called it the Analytical Circle – possibly an ancient meeting place, or perhaps just a good BBQ spot, according to Mark, who had us all laughing.
Far out to sea lay Chicken Rock, named for its hen-like shape (again, squint a bit). Just beyond, the Chicken Rock Lighthouse, built in 1875, has survived storms, strikes, and a dramatic fire in the 1960s. Today, it still watches over the wild waters of the Irish Sea.
😳 1:40 PM – Downhill Drama
The descent into The Sound was… intense. Steep, narrow, and not for the faint of heart (or dodgy knees). But we took it slowly — “slowly, slowly, catch a monkey” as someone wisely said — and everyone made it down in one piece.
🦭 2:30 PM – Lunch with Seals
The reward? Lunch at the Sound Café, where the views were sensational, cliffs, coves, and crystal waters. Just below us, a baby white seal popped up among the rocks, stealing the show. We spotted a few more lounging lazily like they owned the place. Which, to be fair, they probably do.
🏁 4:00 PM – Racing Legends & Towers of Love
As we approached Port Erin, Ken pointed out a house built by none other than racing driver Nigel Mansell. Fast cars and fabulous views — a winning combo.
Just before we reached the town, we stopped at Milner’s Tower, a quirky keyhole-shaped tower perched dramatically on Bradda Head. Built in 1871 in honour of philanthropist William Milner, a safemaker who loved the Isle of Man. The tower symbolises a key and lock, his trade, and serves as a monument of gratitude to a generous soul who gave much to the local community.
🍦 5:00 PM – Ice Cream Victory
We rolled into Port Erin, slightly windswept, very smiley, and more than ready for an ice cream. Sat in the sun with our cones, the town’s pretty beach and colourful houses made a perfect postcard moment.
🍜 7:15 PM – Chinese & Chuckles
Dinner was a delicious Chinese feast shared with Cheryl, Stephanie, and Paula. We laughed, swapped highlights of the day, and left full of noodles and happy memories.
Tomorrow… more trails, more tales, and probably more baby seals. 🗺️🐾