Route 4 Peel

Route 4 description

Degree of difficulty: Medium/Easy.

Peel and its surrounding area has to be the forefront for everyone's cycling plans of the Island. As well as taking in the coastal port of Peel and its impressive Castle this route goes through the picturesque villages of St John's and Glen Maye. The climb up to Snuff the Wind offers spectacular views of the Island and beyond.

Total distance: 10 miles, 16 kilometres.

Major climbs/descents: St John's to Snuff the Wind lead mine, Garey to Glen Maye.

Sites of interest:

Peel Castle, St German's Cathedral, Leece Museum, House of Manannan, The Arboretum, St John's Gardens, Tynwald

Starting at The House of Manannan continue along the Quay and along the Promenade, until the Creg Malin Hotel, where you turn right up up Walpole Road. Turn right at the T-junction at the top of the hill, then turn left shortly, into Church Street signposted Douglas and South. At the far end of Church Street turn left into Derby Road and follow this route out of Peel.

Passing Poortown Quarry on your left, go round the double bend and shortly after turn right into a narrow lane going steeply downhill to a stone bridge over the River Neb.

A short deviation to the right immediately after the bridge takes you to the Tynwald Mills Craft Centre with workshops, shops and two Cafés.

Returning to the route, carry onto the narrow road through trees and after 1/2 mile you will see Tynwald Hill close by on your left.

At the crossroads go straight across the Peel Douglas road. Continue through the village of St Johns for 1/4 mile, past the Central Hotel and take the sharp right turn into Patrick Road. Immediately cross stone bridge, where the route turns left up the hill. If you wish to take an alternative easy route (signposted route 4B), go straight on at this point, rejoining the route at Patrick.

The route continues up the hill, very steep in some sections, for 2 miles. On reaching the junction on the brow of the hill near the old leadmine, known as Snuff the Wind, turn right. One and a half miles later you begin the 2 mile descent into Glen Maye, but take care – the road is narrow and winding. You emerge into Glen Maye by the Post Office.

The route turns right here onto the A27 road to Peel. However, a short detour to your left takes you to the Glen Maye Waterfall, Glen and Beach.

Returning to the route at the Post Office, continue along A27 and after 2 miles reach Kirk Patrick. Here the shortcut (route 4B) rejoins from the right. Continue on A27 over the River Neb and climb to the Peel City boundary. A further 1/2 mile will take you to the top of Station Hill. Turn left and shortly right and you are back at the House of Manannan.