July 31st
- August 11th 2007
Isle of Man
Our honeymoon was spent in the Isle of Man where we had hoped
to walk the 98 mile coastal footpath. Unfortunately the foot and mouth scare
caused the Manx government to close every footpath on the island. We only
managed a couple of days walking before the closures started, but in that time
we managed to see a lot of wildlife and some of the most breathtaking views
in the whole of the UK.
We did well for raptors and saw 2
hen harriers, 4
peregrines, a sparrowhawk, and 1 kestrel. We also watched
basking sharks
feeding on a number of occasions, saw lots of
grey seals, a water vole
and several new (for us) species of bird, including; twite, little auks and from the ferry home, manx shearwaters.
The island is an incredible place that is 33 miles long by 13 miles wide and
within that area it encapsulates all parts of the British isles. There are parts
that seem just like Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Kent and
Yorkshire to name just a few. The geology changes all of the time and it seems
as if the whole place is a nature reserve. Most of the infra-structure including
the railways (steam trains and electric trams) and the street furniture is
Victorian so you seem to travel back in time too. The IOM also has it's own
money, so the feeling of being in a foreign country in a bygone age is
heightened.
Seafood is a major highlight of the island with smoked Manx kippers and queenies
(small scallops) local delicacies, as well as fresh fish and crabs caught
locally. We took full advantage of this especially as the local Tesco sold
freshly caught queenies at an unbelievably low price.
On our way to Liverpool to catch the ferry to IOM.
Gill sitting in the remains of a Norse house. What great
taste those Norsemen had!
An arty shot of Ramsey harbour
We saw this gurnard caught and then released again.
This was the best year for
basking sharks that anyone can
remember.
Peel harbour, a favourite place for seals and baskers.
Gill fossil hunting on Port St Mary beach
Shell fossils
The sign for the Raad Ny Foillan, The way of the gull.
A view of part of the coastal path
Stunning views like this are around every corner.
The moorland was in full flower and looked great.
We saw the
Hen Harrier close to here
The Milner tower above Port Erin in the south of the
island.
Fulmar and chick
The electric tram that services the east coast of the
island.
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We also came across some ancient Celtic crosses in a
churchyard at Maugold head.
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The view to Laxey from the highest mountain on the island,
Snaefell.