DOWN FROM SNAEFELL

We descend from Snaefell and find ourselves beside the MER at Groudle, less than a mile from the east coast.

A short walk takes us down into Groudle Glen.

Hidden in the glen is Lhen Coan station, of the Groudle Glen Railway, where 'Sea Lion' has arrived.

'Jack' is in steam outside the shed.

Here's a view of the facilities at Lhen Coan in 1995.

'Sea Lion' takes us to the other terminus, Sea Lion Rocks.

There are views looking down to the sea from here.

This sign tells you all about what used to be here.

Back uphill again, towards Snaefell, but only as far as the Keppel Hotel at Creg-Ny-Baa. It's been extended since this photo was taken - see their website.

We now head towards the Manx capital, Douglas, and find the Liverpool Arms on the edge of Onchan. I'm sorry to inform you that it's now permanently closed.

In Onchan, this London Transport RF was to be found.

The owner of the RF had a tailless cat. It wasn't a proper Manx cat though, as it had lost its tail in an accident.

We now skirt around the outside of Douglas to Union Mills, where the station was intact, though closed in 1975.

Richard Hggins visited the site in 1993 and took these photos.

Beside the station was the Railway Inn, an unspoilt pub in 1990. Happily, it's still going strong and has a Facebook page.

On our way around Douglas, we find Okell's new brewery at Kewaigue. I'll leave you to make up your mind about the architechture.

We travel on to Port Soderick. This was served by the railway and here's an old photo taken there.

Another view, taken in 1993, with numbers 11 and 10 at work (Richard Huggins).

Port Soderick was also served by the Dougas Southern Electric Tramway. Here's an old photo of the depot. The line ran along the cliff tops to Douglas Head.

There was once an inclined railway connecting the beach with the cliff top.

The site is seen in 1993. This photo, along with the next few colour shots, was taken by Richard Huggins.

Port Soderick bay in 1993.

It's possible to walk most of the route of the Dougas Southern Electric Tramway, along Marine Drive. Here's two views of the site of Wallberry Bridge.

Little Ness, closer to Douglas Head.

The gateway to Marine Drive at Douglas Head.

And here's how it used to look.

From here, a cable car system descended to Douglas itself. All gone now, of course.

There are fine views over Douglas from here.....

....but I'm afraid you'll have to wait until the next post for a visit around the town. In the meantime, you can follow the route here.