Getting around the Isle of Man; what a treat!
First there’s horse-drawn tram along the promenade:
Then climb aboard the electric tram for Laxley:
At Laxley, change to the mountain railway, also electric, with a specially-designed braking system involving an extra rail down the middle. It’s been in operation since 1880-something, climbing this mountain.
See the Laxley waterwheel on the way up; the biggest working waterwheel in the world, originally used for the lead mines. (Yes, those houses are real).
Stop at the top of the mountain, in the mist, for a cuppa in a cafe that’s somehow delicately elegant inside, with it’s butterflies and fairies.
Complete the train rides to Ramsey, but don’t dally. Catch the local bus to Peel; you’ll need time to wander about.
Then take your first ever ride up front in the top of a double-decker bus! Through little narrow streets, impossible corners, and interesting villages, then across parts of the TT course, and back to Douglas.
What a day!
But wait; there’s the trip to Port Erin. After a good nights sleep, all aboard the steam train. Remember to sit in the carriage furthest from the engine, lest you get choked.
Port Erin deserves a stroll. There’s the blue-doored fishermens cottages….
The bottle cars…
…The boats each tied up with three mooring ropes plus anchor, despite being behind two sea walls (it must get rough in here)
…and wonderful coastal paths (complete with ruins, and commemorative seats).
Apparently the large yellow house in the middle of the last photo above was Nigel Mansell’s home. Speaking of houses, every area has it’s folly; that one house which a local points out as being differant, and maybe a bit strange:
At the airport, I heard a lady assuring her husband they would never have been able to see any of the Island without a rental car. Really?
Pity there wasn’t time for a boat ride…
Stories for you - Enjoy! 