Regular followers of my blog will already know that I am a huge fan of the Isle Of Man and visit quite regularly. My most recent trip was back at Easter but at last I have found time to post a few of my photos. I had my camera in hand soon after setting sail from crossing Heysham.
Passing some of the numerous off shore wind turbines.
The sea crossing takes you very close to the off shore wind farm near Barrow-in Furness. There are some interesting photo opportunities and mine was capturing a line of the wind turbines disappearing into the distance.
Morecambe Bay gas field.
From the other side of the ship and still on the subject of energy, a good view can be had of the Morecambe Bay gas field. I liked the sun reflecting off the water and the gas rig hazy in the distance. The emphasis is on the sea rather than sky. Without the sun glinting off the water it would have been a far less interesting shot.
Isle Of Man’s east coast.
Coming into Douglas Bay there are some nice photos to be had, especially if you have a good zoom lens, looking up the coast just north of Douglas. Note the dramatic high tide mark on the rocks.
Dhoon Glen coastline.
One of my favourite spots of my trip and a new discovery for me, was Dhoon Glen, half way between Douglas and Ramsey on the east coast. A more stunningly beautiful view would be hard to find and was particularly nice from the high coastal path looking north. I was startled at how clear the sea looked here, no doubt improved by having a blue sky reflecting off it. This felt more Mediterranean that part of the British Isles.
Crystal clear water on the beach.
A delightful albeit steep in paces walk takes you down to the little beach at the foot of the glen; a perfect tranquil picnic spot.
The walk between coast and top of the glen (main coast road and electric railway stop) is not short on things to photograph. There are several waterfalls, one surprisingly tall. I think it’s certainly the largest on the island and well worth taking a look at.
Dhoon Glen waterfalls.
Everything was looking so fresh and green, so colours were great on a bright day.
Scenery looking inland between Sulby & Ballaugh.
On my second day I took a walk in the north of the island following the old railway footpath between the villages of Sulby and Ballaugh. It’s a lovely and easy walk with great scenery all round. I particularly liked the shapely hills outlined behind the as then still bare trees. It was however the flowering gorse (everywhere on the island) and striking sky, that tempted me to get my camera out again.
Railway remnants
For those like me interested in railway history, if you look around you will see remnants of the old railway including this, presumably original, level crossing gate. This was on the stretch of railway that went from Douglas across the island and north round to Ramsay. It sadly didn’t survive beyond 1968, unlike the line from Douglas south to Port Erin that still operates and makes a great tourist attraction.
Douglas station looking busy.
That conveniently takes us (inevitably with me) onto the steam railway and a busy steam-filled scene at Douglas with engine numbers 12 and thirteen in action. For any visitor at least a short trip on the steam railway is a must. I took a train down to Ballsalla and then a pleasant walk up Silverdale Glen to a cafe I know by the lake.
Silverdale Glen.
Wild violas
Inside one of the Victorian carriages.
When travelling on the narrow gauge steam railway, don;t just admire the view out the window, the beautifully preserved Victorian carriage is worth a photo or two as well.
If there is one thing that the island excels in it is is the amount of wild flowers that grow freely and undisturbed. This is an opportunity to use the macro lens for some nice close-up shots.
Redundant wheels
My final shot from this small selection was captured back at Douglas station, when a row of rusting engine and carriage wheels caught my attention.
I hope you have enjoyed my brief look round the Isle Of Man. There’s so much to see and do there, so if you haven’t been before (like many here who live near the port), do make the effort. More Photographer’s Ramblings coming soon!