Isle of Man Walking Holidays
- Visit Castle Rushen in Castletown, a Manx National Heritage Site
- Fantastic views over the landscape from the headland at Port St. Erin
- See the colourful water wheel at Laxey - the largest of its kind anywhere
- Cross the causeway over to the beautifully preserved Peel Castle
- Scenic train journeys by steam and electric rail over the length and breadth of the island
Walking the Isle of Man
Our Isle of Man holidays follow the Raad ny Foillan, the Isle of Man Coastal Way and a 95 mile trail around the beautiful and dramatic Manx coast. Largely following the coastline, it takes you through a variety of different Manx terrain, from shingle beaches at the Ayres, over 600 ft hills, cliffs above the Sloc and the coastal sward at Scarlett.
Hiking that Brings you Closer to Nature
Its status as a leading destination in the world to explore nature has led to the island being recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Region, the first time this prestigious award has been given to an entire dependency.
Measuring 33 miles by 13, there are few parts of the British Isles with so many different habitats concentrated in such a small area. Unspoilt beaches, rare flora and fauna and a landscape already known to the Celts and Vikings for over 1,000 years are very much in evidence on holidays to the Isle of Man.
For walking itineraries or further information on Isle of Man coastal routes please call 01291 689774, or e-mail our team via our contact details below.
Celtic Trails is one of Britain's most experienced walking companies with many years practice in providing tailored walking itineraries for clients who appreciate high standards of service, comfort and organisation.
Path Walkthrough
The Isle of Man coastal Path, also known as Raad ny Foillan (The Way of the Gull), is a walk from coast to coast covering craggy cliffs, pebble beaches and bays that make up the island's coastal routes. Whereas the majority of this path is coastal, there are sections that divert inland, and here walkers can expect forest tracks, country lanes and paved pathways around the island.
This does result in degree of road walking on the trail. Where this is required, it is mostly along small, quiet country lanes but there are stretches that follow the main road, especially between Douglas and Port St Mary.
Please note the landscape can be quite wild and this can be felt in some of the more uneven and overgrown sections of the route. Although maintenance of the path has progressed over the years, we have found that many sections can be harder to navigate in comparison with that of a National Trail.
Our Isle of Man Coastal Path Itineraries
Douglas to Douglas
Distance: 96 miles (154km)
IOM1a
10 Nights
from £1240
IOM2
8 Nights
from £1025
Douglas to Douglas
8 nights, 7 days
Day | Walk | Distance | |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive Douglas | 1n | |
Day 2 | Douglas to Castletown | 15.5 mls | 2n |
Day 3 | Castletown to Port Erin (t) | 13.8 mls | |
Day 4 | (t) Port Erin to Peel | 14.8 mls | 2n |
Day 5 | Peel to Sartfield (t) | 14 mls | |
Day 6 | (t) Sartfield to Dog Mills (t) | 14.5 mls | 1n |
Day 7 | (t) Dog Mills to Laxey | 15 mls | 2n |
Day 8 | Laxey to Douglas | 9.5 mls | |
Day 9 | Depart Douglas |
2024 Prices
Itinerary price: £1025 per person, based on two people sharing.
Solo walkers supplement: £52 per person per night.
Single occupancy within group: £37 per person per night, for groups of 2 or more people.
Extras
Rest days/additional nights: Prices from £65 per person per night.
Recommended locations for rest days are Douglas and Ramsey.
Upgrade options: Speak to our team to discuss upgrade options for this itinerary.
Where the walk ends at Ballasalla, Castletown, Ballajora or Laxey, most clients choose to transfer to and from their accommodation using the heritage railways. Buses and taxis are available daily with the railways operating on seasonal timetables. These are not included in the holiday cost and we will provide details and approximate prices with your walk pack. Typical fare is around £5 pp per journey on the railways.
Walk Pack postage: Europe - to first night’s accommodation, Rest of World - £30 supplement, (UK is included in price).
Extra Walk Packs: can be requested, please see here for full details and supplements.
Bank Holidays and short notice bookings may incur extra charges.
IOM3
7 Nights
from £900
Douglas to Douglas
7 nights, 6 days
Please note that this itinerary omits the northern section of the island, from Peel to Ramsey around Point of Ayre, thus avoiding shingle beach walking.
Day | Walk | Distance | |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive Douglas | 1n | |
Day 2 | (t) Douglas to Ballasalla | 12.5 mls | 3n |
Day 3 | Ballasalla to Port St Mary (t) | 8 mls | |
Day 4 | (t) Port St Mary to Fleshwick Bay (t) | 10 mls | |
Day 5 | (t) Fleshwick Bay to Peel (t) | 11.5 mls | 1n |
Day 6 | Ramsey to Laxey | 13 mls | 2n |
Day 7 | Laxey to Douglas | 9.5 mls | |
Day 8 | Depart Douglas |
2024 Prices
Itinerary price: £900 per person, based on two people sharing.
Solo walkers supplement: £52 per person per night.
Single occupancy within group: £37 per person per night, for groups of 2 or more people.
Extras
Rest days/additional nights: Prices from £65 per person per night.
Recommended locations for rest days are Douglas and Ramsey.
Upgrade options: Speak to our team to discuss upgrade options for this itinerary.
Where the walk ends at Ballasalla, Castletown, Ballajora or Laxey, most clients choose to transfer to and from their accommodation using the heritage railways. Buses and taxis are available daily with the railways operating on seasonal timetables. These are not included in the holiday cost and we will provide details and approximate prices with your walk pack. Typical fare is around £5 pp per journey on the railways.
Walk Pack postage: Europe - to first night’s accommodation, Rest of World - £30 supplement, (UK is included in price).
Extra Walk Packs: can be requested, please see here for full details and supplements.
Bank Holidays and short notice bookings may incur extra charges.
Port St Mary to Port St Mary
Distance: 96 miles (154km)
IOM1b
10 Nights
from £1210
Port St Mary to Port St Mary
10 nights, 9 days
Day | Walk | Distance | |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive Port St Mary | 2n | |
Day 2 | Port St Mary to Fleshwick Bay (t) | 10 mls | |
Day 3 | (t) Fleshwick Bay to Peel | 11.5 mls | 2n |
Day 4 | Peel to Sartfield (t) | 14 mls | |
Day 5 | (t) Sartfield to Bride (t) | 9.5 mls | 2n |
Day 6 | (t) Bride to Ballajora | 11 mls | |
Day 7 | Ballajora to Laxey | 8 mls | 2n |
Day 8 | Laxey to Douglas | 9.5 mls | |
Day 9 | (t) Douglas to Ballasalla | 12.5 mls | 2n |
Day 10 | Ballasalla to Port St Mary (t) | 8 mls | |
Day 11 | Depart Port St Mary |
2024 Prices
Itinerary price: £1210 per person, based on two people sharing.
Solo walkers supplement: £52 per person per night.
Single occupancy within group: £37 per person per night, for groups of 2 or more people.
Extras
Rest days/additional nights: Prices from £65 per person per night.
Recommended locations for rest days are Douglas and Ramsey.
Upgrade options: Speak to our team to discuss upgrade options for this itinerary.
Where the walk ends at Ballasalla, Castletown, Ballajora or Laxey, most clients choose to transfer to and from their accommodation using the heritage railways. Buses and taxis are available daily with the railways operating on seasonal timetables. These are not included in the holiday cost and we will provide details and approximate prices with your walk pack. Typical fare is around £5 pp per journey on the railways.
Walk Pack postage: Europe - to first night’s accommodation, Rest of World - £30 supplement, (UK is included in price).
Extra Walk Packs: can be requested, please see here for full details and supplements.
Bank Holidays and short notice bookings may incur extra charges.
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local Inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Isle of Man Coastal Path holidays are available to walk March to October.
Please note: accommodation during the annual Isle of Man TT and Classic TT motorbike races tends to get fully booked a year in advance. We advise clients to check their dates beforehand to avoid disappointment in availability. For more info visit www.iomtt.com
By Ferry:
Manx Ferries, www.manxferries.com and Steam Packet, www.steam-packet.com, both cross from Liverpool and Heysham to The Isle of Man.
By Air:
Airlines serving Ronaldsway (Castletown) include:
Isle of Man Coastal Path Client Reviews
4.6/5 based on 34 reviews
Celtic Trails are good and were helpful with our experience.
Anon - September 2024
Celtic Trails is a well run, efficient travel company
Anon - September 2024
Celtic Trails were very friendly and accommodating. We are considering walking some of the Welsh Coast Path in the future and will certainly consider Celtic Trails at that time.
Ian & Pat, Cornwall - September 2024
Celtic Trails were well organized, and had prompt responses to any inquiries.
Andree, Toronto - June 2024
Excellent service, good supporting documents and all our walk details on.
Mr Phil Harris - September 2023
The Isle of Man is an excellent place to go walking, the people are very friendly and welcoming and the Celtic Trails organisation was efficient.
Anon - July 2023
With Celtic Trails, we felt confident that we were in safe hands. This was an enjoyable and relaxing holidays.
Mike, Warwickshire - June 2023
Celtic Trails were reasonably priced, responsive and helpful.
Mark Veryard - June 2023
We would definitely recommend Celtic Trails to others - this was quite simply one of the best holidays we have ever had. We loved the sense of purpose and the challenge. The sea air, wonderful views and unique experience of Manx life, culture and welcome has left us longing for a return visit and a desire for other members of our family to discover the IOM.
Simon, Mansfield - May 2023
Celtic Trails are a very efficient family run company based in Wales offering a carefully priced portfolio of self guided walks. Have already booked Jersey / Guernsey for next year.
Sarah Grant, Devon - September 2022
Celtic Trails are efficient and friendly. Nothing is ever perfect, but on the whole we had a really good holiday, better than just good. It all worked and we had plenty of good times. Rooms were all up to standard and the luggage transfers all worked.
Corina and John, Switzerland - September 2022
Celtic Trails were very helpful and put together a plan that worked well for accommodation and transfers in an area with limited options. Thank you for making this trek possible.
Peaky Blinders - June 2022
Celtic Trails were professional, efficient and good value. Staff were polite and friendly. Thank you for organising our lovely holiday.
Nicola Heppenstall - June 2022
Fourth time lucky getting to the Isle of Man, due to Covid. Celtic Trails were friendly, helpful and efficient - would recommend.
Alan, Marlborough - June 2022
Celtic Trails were efficient, friendly and well planned. We would recommend.
Robin and Sue, Kendal - May 2022
Well organised with good choice of accommodation.
D. Fox - July 2021
It all worked very well. We needed a holiday after a protracted house move and felt the benefit of it. We were certainly fitter at the end.
A. Hughes - October 2019
Everyone was very well planned and everyone was very helpful. We enjoyed the scenery and the people we met along the way. Our hosts were very welcoming and we were very lucky to have only one wet day.
Bond & Horne - September 2019
Celtic Trails were professional, attentive and organised with a personal touch. The Isle of Man is like stepping back in time - the Manxies are friendly and rightly proud and love their island. A sea swim at Luxey was the icing on the cake. Electric railway and steam train - a funky twist to add to the walk - truly unique. The path is much improved - better marked than 2017.
Sumler-Hutchinson - September 2019
Kate was great in helping us every step along the way. Celtic Trails were friendly, professional with great communication. The people, scenery and accommodations were outstanding.
Kass - July 2019
Celtic Trails were efficient. This holiday had a good impact on my health and well-being.
Anon - June 2019
Celtic Trails were very well organised - we would recommend them to a friend.
Anon. - June 2019
Good sea food, good landscape, friendly hosts/residents, good beer! Lovely weather - v. impressive! Done South West Coast Path, Isle Of Wight, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle Of Man, Anglesey next.
P. Kuit - June 2019
I would recommend Celtic Trails - they were better than other companies because the provided more information and the quality of the accommodation they use is better.
Brooke-Smith - June 2019
We would recommend Celtic Trails to a friend. We were disappointed with the Isle of Man - lots of road walking. Not really a coastal path, like S. West Coast Path or Pembrokeshire.
C. Lock - May 2019
I would describe Celtic Trails as an excellent choice - much better than other companies I've walked with. Hadrian's Wall next.
K. Smith - March 2019
Very good
K. Coltart - September 2018
We would use you again.
A&M - July 2018
I loved the wonderful views and the flowers.
J.M. - June 2018
"We had a great time. The people were very friendly and easy to talk to. Being interested in geology, there was lots to see - especially the Iapetus Suture. The wildlife was excellent: wonderful choughs (over 50 varieties of bird seen)."
Kell - April 2017
"Great views, flora and fauna - especially the seals . A great trip overall, would recommend - exceeded expectations."
Tither - July 2015
"We had superb weather, 10 days of sunshine, warmth, no rain! Lovely coast, scenery, friendly Manx people. Loved the Electric Railway, well done, thanks for recommending this in the itinerary. An excellent holiday. Thank you."
Adamson - June 2015
"Enjoyed the whole walk, apart from the incredibly changeable weather!! Everyone that we stayed was kind and helpful-genuinely lovely people. Some of the hosts mentioned how well organised you were - obviously the key to making sure everyone has a memorable holiday! Thanks!"
Foan - March 2014
"The walk from Freshwick Bay to Peel was heavy and long! But we enjoyed it most of the time. So beautiful everywhere. Lesley, thanks again and surely we will go again with Celtic Trails Team."
Hanekamp - October 2011
Local Points Of Interest
Castle Rushen
The castle was built in the early 12th century under the ancient Norse-Gaelic kings of the isle. It's one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe, and is now run as a museum under Manx National Heritage.
The castle features on day ten of the IOM1b itinerary. If you'd like to take a rest day at the end of your trip to familiarise yourself with the interesting history of the island, let us know and we'd be more than happy to arrange this in your itinerary.