The Great Outdoors: Where the Isle of Man excels

Words Suzy Holland Images: Tom Sinden and the artists

We all know how fabulous the Isle of Man is for everything outdoors-y: the adverts aimed at visitors tell us so. If you walk, there’s the coastal paths and the end-to-end trail. If you cycle, there are miles and miles of empty(ish) roads. If it’s history you’re after, there are the heritage sites. And now, just in time for summer 2023 there are two new books to get you outside – ‘The Magic of the Manx Glens’ and ‘Manx Hills’. Both do exactly as they say on the covers – Susan Jellis’s book celebrates, in glorious colour, the national glens, and Tom Sinden has taken the inspiration of the Wainwright guides to the Lake District’s fells to produce a pictorial guide to walking the Island’s hills, with pencil drawings and route diagrams of suggested routes.

Let’s look at Tom’s guide first. His introduction to the Manx hills was a boy scout and he still walks them regularly. As well as his own drawings in ‘Manx Hills’ he includes notes on the geology, history and even some local folklore and he doesn’t think we make enough fuss about the glorious scenery which opens up when you get out into the hills. “We all know about the Snaefell summit, from where on a good day you can see seven kingdoms,” Tom comments, “but I think there’s more to made of lesser, but no less beautiful summits of the other hills. The colours which change with the seasons, the unexpected peeks of the coastlines and the opportunities to stumble on Neolithic burial sites such as Cashtal Yn Ard. It’s all free to explore: all you need is a pair of walking boots, a bottle of water and a picnic to enjoy them all. And a good OS map and, of course, my book!”

‘The Magic of the Manx Glens’ is, perhaps surprisingly, the only comprehensive guide to the Island’s glens, how they were formed, and how they were developed as ‘hot spots’ for visitors and locals alike. Author Susan Jellis describes it as a celebration in words, original artworks and photographs, and which also takes its cue from museum images from Manx National Heritage. “In fact,” Susan says, “this project is an excellent example of how well the Island’s community can work together across government departments, local organisations and businesses and of course, the local creatives who allowed me to use their images free of charge.”

With colour plates from painters Ronnie Doyle, Michael Starkey, Tracey Dean (whose images of waterfalls also grace the latest stamps from IOM Post), photographers Rachel Price and Peter Killey and more, the Manx Glens really come to life. And ‘The Magic of the Manx Glens’ also has something sadly lacking in many local guide books: accessibility icons and information. “This was provided by Beth Martin of Disability Networks IOM,” says Susan, “and I’m delighted to say that any profits raised from sales of the book will be donated to this small, but vital local charity, to help continue its work as the central point for Manx disability information.”

Of course I had to ask both Tom and Susan which were their favourite summits and glens but not surprisingly both found it difficult to choose. “It would be easier to say which are my least favourite,” laughed Tom, “but as you’ve put me on the spot I’ll go for North Barrule, Cronk Ny Arrey Laa, and Slieau Whallian as my top three.” Susan was equally as reticent to be pinned down. “Favourite glen, that's a tricky one. I've always loved Dhoon glen and Tholty-Will, but now I'm getting older Ballaglass is coming up on the outside, along with glens that offer a stroll and a cup of tea.”

‘The Magic of the Manx Glens’ and ‘Manx Hills’ both cost £10 and are both available from Bridge Bookshops in Port Erin and Ramsey. ‘The Magic of the Manx Glens’ can also be found in the Manx Museum shops, Mostly Manx, Presence of Mann and the Manx Wildlife Trust shop in Peel.