Walking Retreat

You are invited to join us as we explore parts of this beautiful island on foot, taking in the ancient and modern, hill and valley, passing places of worship and historical sites of interest.

The walks are led by Karen Garrett, Core Team Member of Thie dy Vea and Joanne Reed, Volunteer at Thie dy Vea. Karen is a native Islander, Jo is a regular visitor who has spent many happy days walking on the Isle of Man. Both are experienced walk leaders. We will be joined at times by David Shirtliff, Warden of Thie dy Vea.

Costs, including 5 nights' accommodation fully-catered (continental breakfasts, packed lunches and 2-course evening meals), public transport to and from the walks, plus guide services:

Ensuite rooms: £500 single occupancy, £420 based on two people sharing.

Non-ensuite double room: £440 single occupancy, £390 per person for a couple.

The retreat starts with supper at 6 p.m. Sunday evening, and ends Friday after breakfast.

A small number of non-residential places will be available on the day walks - please enquire.

Itinerary - please note that this itinerary is subject to change according to weather conditions

Monday

Peel and St Johns. A circular walk starting from Thie dy Vea, passing through the Cathedral Gardens then down through old Peel to the shore and harbour. We then head inland along the heritage trail to St. Johns visiting Tynwald Hill, the Royal Chapel and Arboretum. The route makes its way back towards the coast, joining with the old railway line then the coastal path, arriving back to the Cathedral, with time to explore.

Distance: 9 miles of fairly easy walking, mainly flat. The walk can be joined at St Johns by bus if desired, reducing it to 5 miles.

Tuesday

Maughold. We take the bus to Ramsey, then a short tram ride to pick up the coastal path to Maughold Church, site of a Celtic Christian monastery and with a fine collection of Celtic and Viking carved crosses. We continue along the coast to Port Mooar, then via quiet roads to the tram stop at Ballajora. Return via tram and bus.

Distance: 6 miles. Moderate walking, difficult in places around the coast due to uneven surfaces.

Wednesday

Scarlett and Keeill Vael. We take the bus and steam train to Castletown for a circular walk in the Scarlett area, passing an Iron Age fort and visiting Chapel Hill with its Viking ship burial sites and an ancient Keeill, Keeil Vael. Return by public transport.

Distance: 5 – 6 miles of easy walking.

Thursday

Snaefell, Agneash and Laxey. We travel by bus and tram to the top of Snaefell, the Island’s only mountain. From there we walk to Laxey via Agneash, home to a nineteenth-century miners’ chapel, then on to King Orry’s grave site, with fine views of the Laxey Wheel on our way. Return to Peel by public transport.

Distance: approx. 8 miles with some uneven surfaces.