Groudle Glen - Glion Ghroudal

Groudle Glen (Glion Ghroudal) is on the east coast, northeast of Onchan (Manx: Kione Droghad). There are a number of entrances to the glen including one opposite a Manx Electric Railway stop north along the coast road from Onchan. It's paths wind down the wooded valley for about a mile to the sea where once a small harbour known as Escadalavik (Norse) was located. In the glen is a waterwheel and wheelhouse. In the summer months The Groudle Glen Railway (a steam railway) takes you to Sea Lion Rocks Station (Manx: Stashoon Faarkey Leion Creg). There is a cafe at the terminus with an outdoor sitting area with fine coastal views.

Our Visit

Walking from the Goudle Glen tram stop we continued down the glen passing the water wheel and wheelhouse. The small wheelhouse and wheel look like something from 'Hansel and Gretel'. This fairytale feel is enhanced by the 'Hobbit' type figure carved in wood further down the path. In the summer time a steam railway takes you to the Sea Lion Rocks cafe. We went in November and the glen floor was covered with fallen leaves. If you continue to walk west inland along the glen you reach an impressive high arched viaduct. Walking further west will take you to Molly Quirk's Glen, a smaller glen that continues across the Whitebridge at Onchan. Well worth visiting both glens together.