Axnfell Forest Ballacollister Road, Baldhoon, Laxey A Larch and Spruce plantation on the Northern slopes of Glen Roy. Axnfell has a picnic site next to the carpark with beautiful views over the hills. It can be a bit windy though so best bring a thermos flask. This is also a popular stargazing site and one of the 26 named “Dark Skies” […] Read More
Ayres Visitor Centre Ballaghennie Road, Lhen Road, Ayres, IM7 4BF The Ayres Visitor Centre marks the start of a Nature Trail that leads from the sandy beaches to Bride’s Heath. Display boards depict the history, geology and ecology of the Ayres where some of the Island’s rarest plants can be found. Home to various wild flowers including sea holly, species of orchid and lichens as […] Read More
B&Q Cooil Road, Spring Valley, Douglas, IM2 2QT The largest DIY store on the Island. The shop has Discount Days. There is a Gardening Section. Food and drinks are usually available from a van in the car park. Read More
Ballachurry Nature Reserve Church Road, Port Erin, IM9 6LN First opened in 2007 and run by the Manx Wildlife Trust since 2016. The reserve has a hide for birdwatching and a trail that links its two ponds. Ballachurryreports.blogspot.com has regular updates and shows the wildlife found in the area. Dogs are not allowed. Open all day. Read More
Ballacuberagh Druidale Road, Sulby A medium sized plantation with others close by. Planted in the 60s with Spruce and Larch. “Manx Glens-a stroll through history” mentions a Mrs Kelly who lived next to it and provided walkers with cream teas. Sadly, she is no longer there, so your nearest café is at the Wildlife Park. Read More
Balladoole and Chapel Hill Beach Road, Arbory, Castletown, IM9 The Viking period on the Isle of Man stretches from around 850-1265 AD. The first Norse king, Godred Crovan, came to rule the Island, after the Battle of Skyhill, in 1079. The Viking burial ship, at Balladoole, dates from the beginning of this period around 950AD. The ship was about 36 feet long and contained […] Read More
