Isle of Man

[Spinney]

This isn't really a 'tour', but as I live quite close to Heysham, one of the places from which the ferry goes to Douglas, I am contemplating a couple of days on the IoM by bike. Not necessarily touring, possibly finding a B&B and using the bike for a bit of a bimble and to get me to tourist attractions and tea shops!

Anyone any experience of cycling there? On google maps all the roads look like either A roads or very minor roads. Are they busy? I'd probably go mid week some time.

 

[PaulSB]

I haven't been but my cycle club do this now and again, I believe Morecambe cycle club do the same. There is a joint day trip to the IOM on 7th August. Our guys will be taking the ferry around 9.00am, arrive 11.00, ride the TT course and then I believe there are a couple of small, picturesque valleys they plan to potter around in for the afternoon. I don't think it's anything too strenuous, 37 miles for the TT course, some lunch and a couple of cafes! The returm ferry is about 7.00pm I believe. Sorry I can't be more helpful but as I'm on holiday when this happens I haven't taken much notice. I gather riding the TT course is a well trodden route.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

We cycled in the island a couple of years back and we thoroughly enjoyed it, weather apart! The scenery is absolutely superb, being pastoral one moment and spectacular the next. The northern part of the island is relatively flat and the further south you go, the lumpier it gets.

Douglas is as you would expect very busy, but we found the drivers were far more accommodating of cyclists than in the mainland and tended to give us time and space. Most attractions are easily reached by bike if you don't mind some steep climbs (I recommend a triple), and it is relatively safe to leave your bike anywhere. We were treated to some gentle ribbing by the locals in Ballaugh Bridge as we chained our bikes outside the pub, and it does seem that there are plenty of bikes just left unsecured.

The impression I gained was that the island is similar to how I remember the mainland in the sixties in that people have time and inclination for each other, and even in a busy W H Smiths in Douglas, the shop assistant spent ages just chatting to us.

We intend to go back there fairly soon, maybe in September when the roads are a little less cluttered around the towns. There is always space to escape the traffic if you venture into the "deep interior", but the main roads can be less than pleasant at the busiest times as they tend to be narrow and twisty with fast moving lorries and the like.

Anyway, living where you are you must do it.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Oh, I forgot about tea rooms. There are oodles of them scattered around and not one we found was bad. One you really really must visit if you like scones is the one at Bride village in the north east corner of the island. All the food is freshly prepared on the premesis run by a couple of lovely friendly ladies. Those scones are the finest I've ever tasted! If you go that way, take the quiet road up to the Point of Ayr for some seal watching.

 

[Spinney]

Oh, I forgot about tea rooms. There are oodles of them scattered around and not one we found was bad.

OK - I'm convinced!!

Thanks for the replies.

 

[snorri]

, I am contemplating a couple of days on the IoM by bike.

A couple of days will be fine for a "taster" and leave you with plenty to explore on your next visit.