GOING UP

 We now take the Manx Electric Railway southbound, pausing at Glen Mona to see car 20 heading north.

Soon we're aproaching Laxey.

Here's No. 19 as it crosses the main road into Laxey station.

A old postcard view of the facilities at Laxey station, served by both the MER and the Snaefell Mountain Railway.

MER 21 and SMR 1 at Laxey in 1975.

MER car No 1, restored to its old colours. Laxey, 1995.

Conveniently placed beside the station is the Mines Tavern. Check out their Facebook page for opening hours, etc. Photo by 'Patrick' of Flickr - Creative Commons License.

Down by Laxey Harbour is the Shore Hotel, until recently, breweing its own beer. Photo by Neil Turner of Flickr - Creative Commons License.

Back on the main road through the village - the New Inn. I'm advised it closed in 2012.

One of Laxey's main attractions is its famous wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world.

The wheel was used to pump water out of the mines, which had their own railway system. A replica line has now been opened, using new build locos such as this one, photographed in 2007.

Back at Laxey station, Snaefell car No. 5 is seen alongside the tower wagon.

We now have a choice of cars 5 and 1 for our ascent of Snaefell.

As we begin our climb, there are fine views of Laxey Wheel.

Where the Snaefell Mountain Railway crossed the main road - which serves as the TT course - is known as Bungalow. Here we find this Bedford OB in the heritage fleet of Tours IOM.

Back in 1995, IOM Railway No. 4 'Caledonia' was operating between Bungalow and the summit, recreating the days when the line was under construction. It's seen on its 3ft gauge siding at Bungalow.

As we approach Snaefell, there are views back towards Bungalow.

Sulby Reservoir, seen from near the summit.

Now we're looking down, back towards Laxey.

Car No. 1 at the Summit station, on a beautiful day.

The weather has turned a bit as car 6 arrives.

Finally, the short walk to the summit of Snaefell, looking down at the station and cafe.

It will be all downhill in the next post, as we get ever closer to the isand's capital - Douglas. See where we've been here.