15-Oct-2025
This was another walk-from-the-door (but we did get the bus back from Ballasalla, our end point).
First we followed the quiet roads to Grenaby (even at get-to-work time, you don't encounter that many cars):
There's always a tholtan nearby...
And here's South Barrule again, looking chunky
Then we started to follow the path along the Silverburn.
This is where you turn off for the footpath
This section is part of the Bayr ny Skeddan, or Herring Road, a 22-km walking trail that runs from Castletown to Peel (many decades ago, we spent a day following its entire length -- brilliant walk).
It's a busy little river: Things to do; places to go...
And the autumn colours are phenomenal
It's also a great place for fungi
And there are some interesting remnants from a more industrial past
As a child I definitely associated Silverdale with pleasure grounds
But there are many reminders of the monastic community that was founded in the area in the 12th century
The Monks' Bridge
The top of Rushen Abbey tower
Ballasalla now has an attractive little cafe where you can reward yourself for your labours. Definitely to be revisited
And then you trundle home on the bus (we've been quite impressed with the Island's bus services).
A varied and pretty circuit.