Castleton to Port St. Mary

Breakfast at the College is served at some ungodly hour, 8 o' clock I think, and involves walking to another hall. I decided that a bacon sandwich in Castletown was the better option, so dropping the keys off with the only person apparently working in the building I was in, I went into the town and did exactly that.

Setting off for Port St Mary, the first place on the map is Scarlett Point, a stunningly scenic bit, with a series of flat limestone layers dipping down to the sea, and behind them a flooded quarry, now home to some swans (lots of saltwater swans on the island, I hadn't realised swans could live in the sea), and some historic lime kilns.

It was as I got to the Point that the College caretaker caught me in his car, and asked where the keys were...I explained where I had left them. Apparently if he hadn't caught me he would have just phoned someone in Port St Mary and caught me there! I hadn't realised I stood out that much...

Port St Mary is a classic Victorian Resort, marvellous sandy beach, with selection of seabirds and very few people, and a single promenade of large Victorian houses overlooking the bay. The village itself is tucked away just above the harbour, and less scenic.

I stayed in Aaron House, which is a unique B & B. It's run by a lady who lives a victorian lifestyle, and the house is decorated and run likewise. She dresses as a victorian servant, and you get sponge cake with your afternoon tea. All very civilised, and I could really have got used to it! There is a brass telescope in the sitting room to look out at the views, and the most incredble chocolate sculpture.

I do like the rocks by the harbour here too...

The only downside is that it's not a great place to get food. I ate in Horizons, which seemed fine if you like big meat, but thats not really me. The other places looked really dear. On the upside, Port Erin is only 15 minutes walk, and has a good chip shop.

written by

martin_b on March 13, 2007 from Port Saint Mary, Isle of Man

from the travel blog: Isle Of Man Coastal Path

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