That’s two night walks in three nights. Notice I say ‘walks’, not hikes, given that it was pitch black as you have noticed. Question is, can you recognise where I walked to? Hint – I was there only a few days ago. Yes, you’re right, this is Gansey Bay near Port St Mary. I walked to Port St Mary and back on Friday evening to attend an incredibly interesting talk by Neil Morris on Manx Birdlife, and I walked round Carrikey bay only a day or two prior to that.

I had really set out to buy a pint of milk and post a letter. I had had one of those days when I really couldn’t be bothered to get dressed, and had spent most of it in my jimjams knitting Christmas stockings and watching Formula 1. It was time I got out and aired those legs.

It was a very pleasant evening, not too cold and certainly dry, and in any case I was wrapped up warm. Having popped in at the Coop, I smuggled my carton of milk into my coat and went for evening walk onto the beach at Port Erin. There was no moon and as I don’t believe in using torches unless absolutely necessary I did splosh my way through several puddles and trip over the occasional pebble. The tide was quiet tonight. I walked up to the breakwater and noticed in the far distance a greenish light appearing every few seconds and I realised this must be a beacon from a lighthouse in Ireland!

It was just too nice out there to go back home immediately so I followed the main road from Port Erin to Gansey Bay, along Beach Road towards Port St Mary and back to Port Erin along the top road (Truggan Road). I was out altogether for about an hour and a half (distance 5 1/4 miles) and feel so much better for it.