|
Yet another island, and yet again the problem of how do I get there? Knowing that the summer had already run for several weeks longer than it should and that the sea should start to cut up rough at any moment, I went for the soft option and caught a plane. As it was The Eye sailed into Douglas, a good point to start a trail into the many different forms of transport that this island has to offer. Trundling up and down the seafront from May to mid September is the oldest form, horsedrawn trams. Back in 1870 Thomas Lightfoot, a Sheffield civil engineer, retired to Douglas. He saw the potential for public transport along the promenade and by 1876 the first track was down. Next to the horse terminus is the Manx Electric Railway. Founded in 1893, it operates between Douglas and Ramsey via Laxey daily between Easter and September and then on a limited table during the winter months. Some of the engines and coaches are original. You'll know which because they have a permanent body of photographers around them. Be warned, do not get in these enthusiasts way, they are a mean lot!
Next stop, the Snaefell Mountain Railway, claimed to be one of the oldest electric railways in the world. It climbs 2,036 feet to the summit of Snaefell from April to September weather permitting.
Man is famous for its motorbikes. Touring Trials have been held here since the turn of the century, actually it was car trials at first (including Rolls Royce) and the bikes came a short while later. Murray's Motorcycle Museum which is just by the Bungalow Station on the Snaefell Railway yards from the summit on the A18, has on of the most extensive collections of bikes in the world. Over 120 machines from 1902 onwards including Mike Hailwood's winning Honda. Open May to September 10am to 5pm. 01624 861719.
Peel is an interesting place, straight across the island from Douglas to the west coast. It is very different from the capital in that Peel hasn't really changed, it is as much a fishing port today as it has always been and there is very little evidence of tourism. We stopped off first at Devreau's Smoked Kipper Factory. Hundreds of thousands of the worlds finest smoked kippers come out of this small works every day during the season. One man is in charge and only he knows the secret of how the kippers are smoked, no other members of staff are allowed into the smoking room. He is the company owner, workaholic and all round nice bloke Peter Canipa. This is not for the tourists but I wouldn't mind betting that if you find the factory you will find Peter and, if you ask nicely, he'll probably show you round.
Just across the water is Peel Castle on St Patrick's Isle. Fine Iron Age graves have been found on this site, the church dates back to the 11th century and the Cathedral is 13th century.
|
|
