Port Erin to Peel

The weather forecasts had begun to talk about blizzards sweeping down from Scotland...maybe doing this is March wasn't such a good plan. This was the toughest days walking, 15 miles and a very big hill in the middle. What's more, I'd noticed the day before that the very big hill was actually on fire.

This could be called excitement...or danger. I was plumping for danger.

Anyway, I set off with a nice uphill climb out of Port Erin. It was already raining. On top of the hill is Milner Tower, built to commemorate some victorian philanthropist. It's allegedly built in the shape of a key, as he used to build safes. I thought there was a fellow walker by the tower, which was quite exciting, but she turned out to be just another dog walker.

After that, the day was a bit grotty for a long while. It was raining, and as I walked along the cliff, huge clouds of smoke were coming over me from the burning hillside over the wall. This wasn't entirely pleasant, but eventually I got to go downhill to a little bay. Unfortunately the entire valley it was in was filled with smoke. As I climbed steeply up the other side, I was directly in the path of the smoke, and the rain was getting worse. I decided I had a choice between walking along cliffs on the highest bit of the coast, or cutting inland, so I went inland. If I'd known the terrain, I would have gone on, but I didn't.

Anyway, I shared a couple of grim hours with some sheep, getting soaking wet. The sheep didn't seem to mind. I suppose they were glad of the company.

Eventually, things did improve, and I saw some four horned sheep...

...some interesting seaweed...

...and Ireland! Trust me, it is there.

Still, I was pleased to get to Peel. Peel is a rather run down town, but has a fabulous castle, and some picturesque bits.

I was quite pleased to be able to spot my B & B from the hillside above as well. It's just left of the Church, and called Albany House. A very friendly place: I ended up watching the final of Celebrity Masterchef with the owners and their dogs!

There's also a good museum, with a replica Viking ship. Oh, and a kipper factory. I thought carrying kippers round the island wasn't a good plan though, but they did look nice.

Peel, Isle of Man