Walking on the Isle of Man. Terry Marsh
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Название: Walking on the Isle of Man
Автор: Terry Marsh
Издательство: Ingram
Жанр: Книги о Путешествиях
isbn: 9781783622153
isbn:
Gorse-lined path through Glen Trunk
Back on the village lane, go past the chapel and follow the lane through a few twists and turns as far as a signed footpath (SC 322 926) branching on the right to the seashore. Beyond a gate a delightful grassy path leads down between gorse bushes towards the shore. This is Glen Trunk, quiet, secluded and little visited. The path leads past a lime kiln finally to reach a shoulder overlooking the beach just south of Orrisdale Head.
Just before reaching the seashore, there is a fine lime kiln tucked neatly into the flank of Glen Trunk. It is one of the largest and most complete to be found on the island. Although not certain, it is likely that the lime would have been brought into the glen by boat and left on the shore for collection and processing.
Here, dip left to cross a wooden footbridge spanning Glen Trunk burn, climbing on the other side to join a vehicle access lane near an isolated cottage. Follow the lane out to meet a surfaced road. Go briefly left and then through a kissing-gate into a field, following a field edge grassy path to a gate at the top of a narrow track, then head downhill to the trackbed of the railway line that once operated along this stretch of coast.
Turn left onto a footpath following the old trackbed, passing behind the impressive building, Bishop’s Court.
Bishop’s Court
BISHOP’S COURT
One of the great houses of interest on the island, Bishop’s Court’s origins are traditionally attributed to Bishop Simon in the 13th century. It was a fortress tower and, in its early days, was moated – the old name for this and the surrounding area was Ballachurrey, which means ‘marshy place’. The first mention of the building occurs in 1231, so there was evidently some significant building on this site before Bishop Simon arrived. In those days, the bishop was a vastly powerful man and, in his own right, a baron, with the power of life and death over his subjects, which gave this outpost something akin to the forts that developed throughout the Border Marches of Wales.
Bishop’s Court was sold into private hands in 1979, so ending more than seven centuries of association with the Diocese of Sodor and Man.
Go onward until the path finally emerges at a lane. Turn left, towards Orrisdale, to complete the walk.
WALK 5
Kirk Michael and Slieau Freoaghane
| Start/Finish | Kirk Michael (SC 319 909) |
| Distance | 14.5km (9 miles) |
| Height gain | 533m (1750ft) |
| Refreshments | Kirk Michael |
| Parking | Kirk Michael |
Slieau Freoaghane – which Manx Gaelic speakers advise me is pronounced ‘Sloo Ferrane’ – is one of five Marilyns on the island, and likely to be popular on that count alone. But it is a fine hill to climb regardless of this dubious distinction, though the shortest, most direct route – and least interesting – is from the cross-mountain road near Sartfell Plantation.
This route partially reverses Walk 3, as far as Ballaugh, but then makes use of the old railway trackbed to return to Kirk Michael. It is a splendid walk, best reserved for a clear day, when the views over the western side of the island and across the Irish Sea to the mountains of Northern Ireland and northwards to southern Scotland are outstanding. There are times when the Mountains of Mourne seem so close you feel you could simply reach out and touch them.
The key to the start of this walk is the lane opposite the turning into Glen Ballyre. Turn into this, a narrow lane that soon begins climbing, eventually deteriorating into a rough track striking up onto open moorland. High up on the hillside, to the north of Slieau Freoaghane, the track meets a huge cairn, Cairn Vael. The cairn is largely the product of passing miners in years gone by, who would add another rock every time they walked by as a kind of talisman.
Just past the cairn the return track to Ballaugh departs left, and anyone wanting to omit Slieau Freoaghane should turn off here. Otherwise, bear right and continue along the stony track, ignoring a branching green track on the left. Gradually the track levels and then descends a little as it runs on to a point below Slieau Freoaghane.
Slieau Freoghane and Slieu Curn from the mountain road
Now simply turn right and climb steeply to the top of Slieau Freoaghane on a clear, if boggy, path. The top is adorned by a trig pillar and quartz cairn.
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