Dhoon Glen (part 2)

We started the day in the capital of Douglas.  It is on the east coast and is where the ferry arrives from the mainland. The promenade still boasts the original mode of public transportation (mainly for tourists), the horse pulled tram.

The Isle of Man has 3 main industries; tourists, sheep and cattle farming and high finance (it is a tax haven).  You could be following a tractor on the road or a Ferrari.  Douglas is where all the 'deals' happen, so the headquarters are in lovely buildings, surrounded by flowers in full bloom.

The Strand is just behind the promenade allowing all the serious shoppers to linger on the pedestrian walkway, window shopping or spending serious 'pounds'.

We are about to head off to some 'serious' walking!  Dhoon Glen is one of the most challenging 'walks' non hikers can attempt.  You think you are in shape, but, oh no, this will make you hurt tomorrow!!  As we arrive, the extension of the horse drawn tram, the electric railway, pulls into station.

We know we are about to undertake a 'heart thumping' trek, but we are ready! Dhoon Glen covers 44 acres and has one of the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in all of the glens.  It totals over 130 feet in two drops.  Sounds spectacular!  Ok, we have to get down there and then we have to get back up.  Down and down we go; paths, steps, slippery slopes.  We meet people coming back up, huffing and puffing (one in flip-flops; how she made it up and down, I'll never know).  They looked at us like we were crazy!
If you had all day, you could take a more leisurely pace, but we had to get back to meet up with friends.  We were awarded with stunning views that the camera can't quite capture!

The further down we went, the quieter it become; a true paradise!

Who needs 'interval training"; our hearts were pumping on the way back up.  Good thing we got some exercise, because we tucked onto a tasty IOM beef burger with caramelized onion relish for dinner!

Bikes, bikes and more bikes to follow!!

Isle of Man - A hikers dream: Glen Mooar (Spooyt Vane) & Dhoon Glen

If you love exercise, these two Glens are a must.  Glen Mooar, located on the west coast, is home to the highest waterfall, known as Spooyt Vane or 'White Spout'.  We walked through lust forest paths before heading down steep stairs, anticipating a wonderous site. We could hear the rush of water on our descent to the base of the falls.  We were not disappointed:

We have been most fortunate that the weather has co-operated during our walks.  Most of the paths would be extremely slippery if they were wet.  I really didn't fancy a head first fall down one of the ravines!!

After a hard day's hike we went back to the cottage for a cold supper of chicken salad, tomato caprese and crisp greens.  All washed down with a chilled Pinot, followed by a selection of cheeses with baguette!

The hike to Dhoon Glen continues tomorrow.  (I know K will be upset with me as she hates it when I tell her I have something to share with her, but by the way, I will tell you tomorrow)!