Cronk Sumark

A Celtic Iron Age hill fort in the north of the island. Cronk Sumark (Primrose Hill in English) has dramatic views over the island's northern plain from its 250ft twin peaked position, but with difficult access due to a steep rocky side. It is clearly in a good defensive position. May have been refortified at a later date given the expansion ramparts extending beyond the area of the original fortress.

Our visit

When we visited the site we parked close to the Ginger Hall Hotel in Sulby. We walked back along the B8 road toward The Claddagh. The Claddagh (Manx Gaelic and means land by a river in English) is an attractive area of common ground which is used for recreation and camping. The pathway to Cronk Sumark is on the left side. The climb is quite sleep and when at the summit lookout for the green plaque on the ground which points out the site. It is worth the climb as the views over the northern plain and the Scottish hills beyond are spectacular.

Getting there

Between Ballaugh and Ramsey in the North of the Island. The site is accessible from the roadside, with the entrance is only marked by a style and a sign.

• By car - From Ballaugh take the A3 to toward Ramsey. Turn onto the B8 road leading to the A14 near Sulby's Ginger Hall. The site is along the B8 on the left side of the road.
• By bus - Taes buses from Ramsey, Peel, or Douglas. Get off at Ginger Hall in Sulby and then walk to the B8 and onto the site.