Tourist & Leisure Attractions - Coast and Countryside
Douglas Head
Douglas Head is undoubtedly the best place to get a view over the whole of Douglas, Snaefell and out to sea. The Head is within close walking distance of Douglas town centre although some of the paths are steep and care should be taken. One can either approach by road, along Head Road or by the steps and footpath that run from the Battery Pier at the easternmost end of South Quay. This latter route is perhaps a more interesting route for pedestrians. It allows a detour past the remains of Port Skillion, once a gentlemen’s bathing area then up past the lighthouse (the second on this site and built in 1892) and the Camera Obscura.
If one chooses to miss out Port Skillion and head straight up the steps , on your left you will see the route of the former inclined railway that used to bring Victorian tourists from the Douglas Head ferries up to the various attractions up on Douglas Head. These included the Warwick Observation Tower, Douglas Head Hotel and the Marine Drive Tramway which took visitors along the clifftops to Port Soderick. The road that replaced the tramway still provides an impressive route for walking and cycling.
Douglas Beach
Douglas Beach is one of the finest beaches in the island and provides an important amenity for both local residents and visitors. Whilst the beach is mainly used for walking nowadays rather than being the focus for the throngs of tourists of last century, you may also find it being used by kite surfers or for beach motocross during the TT festival.
The beach is maintained by Douglas Borough Council. Please note that jetskis are not permitted to launch from the beach.
The Promenade Heritage Walk provides an insight to the history of the Promenade. It can be obtained from the Douglas Development Partnership office on Victoria Street or from the Tourist Information office in the Sea Terminal.
Summerhill Glen
Summerhill Glen is a wonderfully tranquil glen right on the edge of Douglas that runs from Governors Bridge on the world famous TT mountain course to Summerhill Road at the northern end of Douglas Promenade. It can be entered through the green arched gate approximately 50 metres from the bottom of Summerhill Road.
The Glen is an example of one of the many wooded Manx glens that follow river courses with waterfalls and still pools, which run down to the sea. During the 19th Century the glen and its river were used in conjunction with the town’s first drainage network. Little evidence now remains of this former use.
The glen is illuminated during October and November by Douglas Borough Council.
Raad ny Foillan – Isle of Man Coastal Footpath.
The Raad ny Foillan or “Road of the Gulls” starts and finishes at the Millennium lifting bridge over the Douglas Harbour. The path, which is 95 miles in length, is waymarked around the Manx coast with a gull on a blue background. This walk, which can easily be undertaken in sections, was created to mark the Island's "Heritage Year" celebrations in 1986.
The path follows the coast wherever it can and transverses terrain which varies from shingle beaches at the Ayres, over 600 foot hills and cliffs above the Sloc, and the coastal sward at Scarlett. Using public roads only when necessary, walking can easily be divided into sections between towns and villages or from one mode of public transport to another.
Douglas to Peel Heritage Trail
The Heritage Trail is a 10.5 mile (17kms) walk through the Manx countryside from Douglas to Peel along the route of a disused railway line. There are information boards and picnic sites along the route and there are restaurants and pubs in St. Johns and Crosby. At the Douglas end, the route starts at Quarterbridge. From the centre of Douglas follow the main Douglas to Peel Road until you reach the two mini-roundabouts at Quarterbridge. The Heritage trail starts just beyond here on the left hand side of the road.
Cycle routes
Cycle route maps can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office, Sea Terminal building. Douglas Promenade has a designated cycle way along the walkway.
The MV Karina cruises south along the east coast to Port Soderick and returns approximately 2hours 30 minutes later with 1hour 30 minutes ashore. Also cruises to Laxey. Departs from the Villiers steps on the Promenade adjacent to the Sea Terminal daily from April to September. Times dependent on tides. Phone 861724.
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