I had an hour to spare before Evensong at Peel Cathedral, just long enough for a brisk walk around Peel Hill and Peel Castle. I parked down by the marina and followed the road over the bridge, where there is a path that takes you up the hill. This gives extensive views of the coast to the north and Peel itself.
There is a variety of footpaths around Peel Hill, and you can choose the best one to take account of weather conditions. If you go all the way round Peel Hill I think it’s about 3 miles, but you can shorten it quite easily, as I did today. Peel residents are so lucky to have this walk on their doorstep, as well as the curved sandy bay and beaches. The cliffs to the north are low and easy to walk, so you can choose your walk according to your mood as well as the weather.
Having reached the first level area on the hill, I followed the track that goes around the back of Peel Hill, which is an even path until you reach the old quarry. There is then a narrow footpath that takes you uphill and around the coast, but you needn’t worry, it doesn’t go anywhere near the edge. This finally reaches the coast path on another col between the hills. You can turn right, or go up to the next peak to Corrins Folly, but I took the path over the tops on the left, where I eventually rejoined my original path. It is easy walking on grass, and there are a couple of short, steep downhills.
I still had some time to spare, so I did my usual sortie around the perimeter of the castle. I always have fond memories here as my son, grandchildren and I had a picnic up there on the rocks overlooking the bay – grandchildren I haven’t seen since November and unlikely to see in the foreseeable future 😦
From here, it was an amble on the front where an equestrian event was taking place on the beach. The prom was packed, as was the ice-cream shop. It is so good to see so many people out and about, including visitors from Guernsey.
If you are holidaying here, I can recommend the full walk around Peel Hill, or for those liking a longer walk, you could continue along the coast path to Glen Maye and get the bus back, or walk over the hills inland back to Peel, and have an afternoon tea at Harbour Lights.
Total distance: 2.8 miles; total ascent 358 ft
Today I have been out on South Barrule measuring the peat, so the next post will have a completely different feel to it.
Gill's Isle of Man Walks 