ISLE OF MAN – Day 2
The one with a mystery subscriber, an unexpected onion, and a descent that made our knees question everything.
Summary:
Today we climbed the highest mountain on the Isle of Man, bumped into a YouTube subscriber (hello Richie!), witnessed a tram-to-trail wave exchange, and marvelled at scenery so beautiful it almost distracted us from the boggy boots and burning thighs. From Snaefell’s peak to Ramsey’s quaint seaside charm, it was a day of history, hilarity, and high altitude.
🍊 8:15 AM – The Mandarins of Nostalgia
As well as the usual hot food, the breakfast buffet surprised us with a vintage twist: tinned mandarins! I haven’t seen those since 1987 – and yet, here they were, gleaming in syrupy splendour. A sweet little time machine in a bowl.
Bellies full and caffeine levels peaking, we were set for adventure.
🐴 9:00 AM – Pack Prep & Pony Talk
A quick briefing from Ken, and we stopped at the Spar to grab lunch. Cheryl and Nicola staged a full hydration pack operation, with water bottles, and more teamwork than an army drill.
Suddenly – squeals. “Horse tram!” The iconic horse-drawn trams of Douglas had come into view. These Victorian-era beauties are the oldest horse-drawn tram service in the world, dating back to 1876. Naturally, the group scrambled to find a way to squeeze in a tram ride before the week’s end. Ken worked his magic and they have a plan for tomorrow.
👋 9:30 AM – A Surprise Subscriber
While queuing for the Manx Electric Railway, the man in front turned and said, “Are you Julia? From Adventure Geek?”
“Er… yes?”
Turns out, I’d been recognised by a YouTube subscriber named Richie. Lovely fella! We had a quick chat and a handshake before hopping aboard the electric tram.
🚃 10:22 AM – Trams, Tracks & Tingly Bums
There’s something magical about historic transport — the rhythmic trundle, the coastal views, the open windows. Also: zero padding on the seats. By the time we reached Laxey, our behinds were ready for a cushion.
We were here to see the Laxey Wheel, also known as Lady Isabella — the largest working waterwheel in the world! Built in 1854, it was used to pump water from the lead mines below. The miners’ lives were perilous, and in 1897, a tragic underground collapse took the lives of several men.
🚂 10:50 AM – Up to Bungalow Station
We stayed aboard the electric railway until we reached Bungalow Station, a famous TT marshal point. The original station building was demolished, but the site remains iconic, both for its panoramic views and its role in the Isle of Man TT Races.
☕️ 11:00 AM – Cake at the Summit
After a short funicular ride, we reached the summit of Snaefell — the Isle of Man’s tallest peak at 2,036 feet (621 metres). The café at the top served up sweet treats and coffee, and we said a cheerful farewell to Mark, Stephanie, and Paula, who were off to explore on their own today.
🧅 11:41 AM – Descending Snaefell: Wave & Onion Edition
The walk down was steep enough to activate muscles we didn’t know we had. As we zig-zagged along, the tram passed below and we waved, only to spot our trio waving back. Perfect timing!
Minutes later, Cheryl cried, “Onion!” Sure enough, lying on the trail was a whole onion. No explanation. Just… there. A lone culinary mystery.
🏍️ 12:00 PM – TT Tales & Speed Demons
Ken gathered us at The Black Hut, a bend on the TT circuit known for sheer speed. Here, there is no speed limit, and racers often hit 140–150 mph.
TT stands for Tourist Trophy, and the Isle of Man race is one of the most dangerous and legendary motorcycle races in the world, first held in 1907. The race snakes around public roads — complete with stone walls, hairpin bends, and cheering locals!
🥵 12:17 PM – Mud, Sweat & Cheers
The trail toughened up, boggy patches, slatted boardwalks, and a few calf-burning climbs. We stopped at various trig points for photos and breath-catching.
At one windswept section, nature called. Cheryl H and Selina embraced the wild and dropped their drawers for a mid-moorland wee. “Desperate times,” Cheryl shrugged. “Dignity’s overrated,” laughed Selina. We agreed.
🥪 1:35 PM – Lunch with a View (and Flies)
We reached the highest point of the walking day at 1,805 ft and perched ourselves on rocks for lunch. No wind, just buzzing flies and big skies. Ken noted how rare it was to be up here without a fierce breeze — it felt like we had the mountain all to ourselves.
🌺 2:43 PM – Knees vs Gravity & Spotting Orchids
The descent was steep and rocky, with aching knees all round, mine included. But at the bottom, we were rewarded with wild spotted orchids, their purple petals bright against the greenery.
From there, the trail joined a quiet country lane. Flat. Predictable. Joy. We crossed the TT route again before ambling into the coastal town of Ramsey.
🍺 3:44 PM – Ramsey Revels
Ramsey had a charmingly retro feel — 1950s signage, seagulls in formation, and men in flat caps who look like they’ve never left. Ken gave us a choice:
“Tram or beer?”
You can guess which one we chose.
We plonked ourselves on a stone wall by the bay, pints in hand, soaking in the sunshine and well-earned smugness.
🐐 4:45 PM – Coastal Trams & Confused Donkeys
Ken ushered us onto the final tram of the day. “Back carriage, that one has air-con,” he winked. It was open-air, and while scenic, it was also chilly.
The coastline views were worth every goosebump. At one point, I spotted a baby donkey running joyfully across a field.
“Oh look! A baby donkey!”
“That’s a goat,” said Ken.
Roars of laughter followed. My pride? Slightly dented.
🐟 6:05 PM – Chippy Tease & Sunburn Surrender
Andrea and Selina hopped off at Port Jack’s chip shop, but I couldn’t face food. The sun had zapped me. My neck was crispy, my face was glowing, and I was suddenly queasy. A bath and bed were calling, loudly.
Final Thoughts
I never expected mountains on the Isle of Man, but they’re here — rugged, bold, and beautiful. Today had a little bit of everything: ancient transport, thigh-burning hikes, and goats disguised as donkeys.
Tomorrow is our final walk… let’s hope the sun goes easy on me!