Riding the Railways of the Isle of Man

During the recent British Guild of Writers AGM trip to the Isle of Man we had the pleasure of travelling on a couple of that magical land’s heritage railways.

Remarkably, the island boasts not one but three heritage railways - the Isle of Man’s Steam Railway, the Manx Electric Railway and the Snaefell Mountain Railway. I think the last of these was closed during early February when we were there - maybe because the mountain was covered in snow. Certainly the police had shut the mountain road. 

Manx Electric Railway

Anyway, the Isle of Man, known for its rugged coastline, medieval castles, and rural landscapes, has a long-standing tradition of railway transport - and the Manx Electric Railway has a place in history all of its own…

It is one of the oldest electric railways in the world. Established in 1893, it has been operating continuously for over a century, making it not only a crucial part of the island’s transport heritage but also a significant attraction for tourists and railway enthusiasts.

Weaving approximately 17 miles over hill and dale, the Manx Electric Railway runs along the eastern coast of the island from the capital, Douglas, to the towns of Laxey and Ramsey. This route showcases some of the most spectacular coastal and countryside views the island offers, making the journey an attraction in itself. We were fortunate to be offered a special one-off winter service from Laxey to Ramsey. 

The electric railway's history is intertwined with the Isle of Man's development as a tourist destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The coming of the railway made the island's scenic beauty and quaint villages more accessible to visitors, contributing significantly to the local tourism industry. 

The construction was a remarkable engineering achievement at the time, reflecting the era's innovative spirit and technological advancement. One of the most distinctive features is the fleet of vintage tramcars, some of which date back to the original service’s early days. These tramcars have been meticulously maintained and restored, providing a unique and authentic experience for passengers. 

The Manx Electric Railway prides itself on being more than just a means of transportation - it is a living museum that offers insights into the history of electric rail travel. Indeed, the journey provides a glimpse into a bygone era, from the clatter of the tramcars along the tracks to the breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and the lush Manx countryside.

I loved the sunny morning trip we took - and would certainly say that the electric railway is a must-visit attraction if you’re ever on the Isle of Man.

The Castletown narrow gauge railway is another must-see - and has been a significant feature of Manx life since the late 19th century.

As many will know narrow gauge railways are often used for mountainous or rural areas where the construction of a standard gauge line would be more complicated and costly. The story of the Castletown railway dates back to the late 1800s, a period when the Isle of Man was developing its transportation infrastructure to boost tourism and provide essential services to remote areas. 

The railway was initially built to transport goods and passengers between various points on the island, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the area.

One of the most distinctive features of the Castletown narrow gauge railway are the steam locomotives which have been meticulously maintained and restored. 

The railway not only serves as a functional mode of transportation but also as a moving museum, showcasing the rich industrial heritage of the Isle of Man.

The route provides passengers with wonderful views as it meanders through picturesque landscapes, including low lying pasture-lands, rolling hills, and quaint villages. 

The railway is a significant tourist attraction to the very south of the island, drawing railway enthusiasts and visitors from around the world. The operation and maintenance is often undertaken by dedicated volunteers, passionate about preserving this unique piece of Manx history.