Niarbyl to Ballaugh
The walk from Niarbyl on the south west coast to Ballaugh in the north west measures a coastal distance of approximately 17 miles and passes through the coastal town of Peel.
| Waypoints | |
|---|---|
| Niarbyl Visitor Centre | WP1: SC 213 777 |
| Glen Maye | WP2: SC 225 799 |
| Contrary Head | WP3: SC 229 827 |
| Peel Harbour | WP4: SC 242 843 |
| Glen Mooar | WP5: SC 304 893 |
| Glen Wyllin | WP6: SC 310 906 |
| Orrisdale | WP7: SC 318 929 |
| Ballaugh Cronk | WP8: SC 336 960 |
Waypoint markers
The waypoints supplied above are for information only and should not be used for navigation purposes without consulting the relevant maps.
Maps
The maps supplied (see downloadable documents) are intended as a visual guide only and not as a navigational aid. OS 25,000 Isle of Man official guide maps are also supplied as a downloadable file.
Marine wildlife
Sea birds
The Peel Hill cliffs have important nesting colonies of fulmar, kittiwake, razorbill, guillemot, black guillemot and puffin; whilst significant numbers of eider duck often forage. A cormorant breeding colony is found along this stretch of coast and curlew and oystercatcher have seasonal roosts.
Seals
Seals are commonly seen in Peel Bay and the harbour. They are more sensitive to disturbance between September and November during their breeding season, especially when they have young. Places where seals haul out onto rocks are important all year round. The Calf & Kitterland area is an important site where seals gather in large groups.
Basking sharks
Every summer, from May until September the Isle of Man is a hotspot for basking sharks. Keep a look out for basking sharks all around the Island. You may see their huge dorsal fin but they often swim just below the surface too. If one is visible, others may be close by.
Porpoises, dolphins and whales
Porpoises can be seen all year round and are more sensitive to disturbance in the summer months when they have young. Risso’s dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are occasionally sighted in Manx waters, sometimes in large groups.
Minke whales are sighted along the west coast in summer and the east coast in the autumn. They grow up to 10 metres in length and occasionally jump clear of the water, so keep your distance. Other species of whales and dolphins are also seen around the Manx coast.
Safe bathing and no wake zones/harbour areas
Peel Bay and Harbour
No Wake/Harbour Area: The No Wake Zone is bound by a line from the outer end of the breakwater and the outer end of the groyne.
Jet skis and other fast craft may use this area for launching and access as necessary, and must proceed at a safe and reasonable speed. As a guide, this should produce no appreciable wake behind the vessel.
Safe Bathing Area: The Safe Bathing Area is enclosed by the line of the groyne and a line joining the end of the groyne to the northern end of the Promenade.
Jet skis and other fast craft are not permitted within this area. This area is for bathing only.
