Isle of Man – Coastal Paths, Glens, and Upland Walking

_{Note: While the Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown Dependency and not part of the United Kingdom or England, we’ve included it in the North West region for practical travel purposes. With regular ferry and flight connections from Liverpool and the North West, it’s often explored as part of UK walking holidays and offers some of the most unique and scenic coastal trails in the British Isles.}

Clifftop coast, wooded valleys, and open hills across a compact island landscape in the Irish Sea

Note: While the Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown Dependency and not part of the United Kingdom or England, we’ve included it in the North West region for practical travel purposes. With regular ferry and flight connections from Liverpool and the North West, it’s often explored as part of UK walking holidays, and offers some of the most unique and scenic coastal trails in the British Isles.

Cliffs, sandy bays, wooded glens, and rounded uplands shape the Isle of Man, where walking routes cross the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and follow the Raad ny Foillan, Millennium Way, Bayr ny Skeddan, and the Heritage Trail between Douglas, Peel, Ramsey, Castletown, and Port Erin along coastlines, river valleys, and upland tracks.

Much of the terrain is firm and moderately varied underfoot. Coastal paths, green lanes, former railway lines, and hillside tracks allow steady progress, with frequent short climbs onto headlands and higher ground rather than sustained mountain ascent.

The landscape changes quickly across the island. The coast alternates between cliffs, beaches, and small harbours, while the interior rises into open moorland and rounded hills such as Snaefell. Wooded glens cut through the slopes, providing sheltered routes beside streams and waterfalls.

Towns and villages are evenly spaced around the coastline and along main valleys, creating practical start and finish points for both short day walks and longer multi-day routes.

Trails and Routes Through the Isle of Man

Raad ny Foillan

A long-distance coastal path circling the island, linking cliffs, beaches, headlands, and harbours over varied terrain.

Millennium Way

Runs north–south across the island between Ramsey and Castletown following inland hills, farmland, and quiet lanes.

Bayr ny Skeddan

A shorter upland route across higher ground between Glen Maye and Ramsey using moorland tracks and old paths.

Heritage Trail

A level walking and cycling route along a former railway line between Douglas and Peel.

Glen and plantation paths

Waymarked woodland trails through sheltered glens and forest parks, including Tynwald Hill and South Barrule areas.

Walking Character

• Clifftop coastal paths and bays
• Wooded glens and stream valleys
• Moorland hills and open uplands
• Green lanes and former railway trails
• Frequent seaside towns and villages
• Compact distances with varied terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Isle of Man located?

The Isle of Man sits in the Irish Sea between England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and is a self-governing Crown Dependency.

Are there National Parks or protected landscapes here?

The entire island is designated as the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

What defines walking here?

Coastal cliff paths, wooded glens, inland hills, and a network of long-distance trails create varied but manageable terrain.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Raad ny Foillan, Millennium Way, and Heritage Trail all provide continuous island-wide walking.

Is the terrain steep?

Routes include regular short climbs and descents, particularly along the coast and uplands, but distances are generally moderate.