Shooyl ny Skeeraghyn (Parish Walk)

Every year, close to the time of the northern summer solstice (Manx Gaelic: shass greiney souree) hundreds participate in Shooyl ny Skeeraghyn (Walk of the Parish’s). This is the Manx Parish Walk (sponsored by Manx Telecom) which passes through every parish on Mannin (Isle of Man). It covers a distance of 85 miles (137 km). A Parish is a church unit of land that makes up a division of a diocese. 

Originally you would have to touch the door of each of the 17 Parish churches on the Island of Mannin. These days an electronic timing device is worn. Not everyone is expected to complete the 85 miles, which needs to be done in one day (24 hours). However, many do and it is a walking competition. Most try and do as well as they can and the main aim is to raise money for charity. For my sins (I’m afraid there are quite a few)! I have signed up to partake in this year’s walk and I’ll do as many miles as I can.

I am raising money for Treisht Vanninagh Y Doogys Feie (Manx Wildlife Trust), which is a charity that works to protect the Manx environment on both land and sea. They are responsible for the maintenance of twenty-two of their own nature reserves across the island.

First I would like to thank those who have already made a sponsorship donation in regard to my own efforts on this year’s Parish walk 2014. I have also now just set up an account for anyone else who feels able to donate www.justgiving.com/alastairkneale. I’ll let you know how I get on!

Alastair Kneale, Ardreiltagh (President),Yn Cheshaght Vanninagh Lunnin (London Manx Society).