Isle of Man Off The Beaten Path Tips by kit_mc Top 5 Page for this destination

Kirk Lonan

Kirk Lonan is one of the 'keeils', or stone chapels dotted throughout the Isle of Man. It has been a site of Christian worship for maybe 1500 years and of pagan worship before then. The building that presently houses the church of St Adamnan now was built in 1833 but ajoins the ruins of the old chapel.

The chapel is open to the public so you can take a look inside. On the left hand side on the back pews there were also a variety of local jams and marmaloades, left by locals. I'm not sure if they are sold to assist conservation but you pop your money in the collection box.

The site is beautiful and also houses several stone crosses of great historical importance including the Lonan Wheelhead cross dating from the 5th century AD, with Scottish and Irish influence in style. In a shelter at the bottom of the graveyard you'll find a number of Manx stone crosses that are also part of the Stone Cross Collection.

Website: http://www.iomguide.com/kirklonan.php

Snuff the Wind Mine

The Isle of Man is rich in a number of different ores and you can find disused mines all over the place. While the best known of these is probably the mining complex at Laxey with its Great Wheel, one that is more off the beaten track lies inland not far from St John's.

Known by various names, Cross Vein Mine or 'Snuff the Wind' was a lead mine in use between 1830 and 1840. Situated on the road from South Barrule to Glen Maye the site gives some great views across the hills of the interior. In winter it looked a bit bleak and forbidding but in summer I'd say this would be a great place for a country walk.

Website: http://www.gov.im/daff/countryside/country/mines.xml

Niarbyl

Located a few miles south of Peel is Niarbyl Bay, a beauty spot that is also part of the Manx heritage trail of spots of historic interest dotted all over the island.

There's a popular cafe and some thatched cottages as well as stunning views down the coast. Oh, and chickens in place of seagulls.

Website: http://www.gov.im/MNH/heritage/countryside/niarbyl.xml

Glen Maye

A few miles from Peel you'll find Glen Maye which has a pretty waterfall and is also part of a walking track, one of the islands nicest coastal paths, "Raad ny Foillan" or Road of the Gull. The cliffs nearby are a favourite spot for birdwatchers.

If you walk there you can also enjoy a pint at the huge pub above the waterfall before moving on.

Website: http://www.gov.im/daff/Countryside/Country/Glen_Maye.xml