Ballaglass Glen - Glion Valley Glass

Ballaglass Glen (Glion Valley Glass) in the Parish of Maughold is part of Cornaa Glen. It totals about 17 acres. It has a rock-bedded stream that flows through the wooded glen and the surrounding woods have an abundance of bluebells in springtime. It has easy access from the electric tram, which stops at its top entrance. By car, turn down to Maughold Village at the Hibernia, on the main Laxey to Ramsey road, then turn right down the road marked Cornaa. A large car park is provided at the bottom entrance to the glen.

The remains of a flax mill and the stone buildings, which once belonged to a lead mine, operated by the Great Mona Mining Company, can still be seen in the glen. The building by the river and near the top of the glen was the mine’s office and the structure against it, the wheel case.

Our visit

Visiting in Autumn the paths were carpeted with golden and brown fallen leaves. The fast running river was swollen with the heavy rains from the previous days. We walked up the glen from the car park and picnic area at it's base. The winding path followed the river and there are a number of benches in selected areas that allow you to sit and contemplate the beautiful views. We continued past the old mill and to the bridge toward the top of the glen. There are alternative paths that can be taken to gain different perspectives of this wonderful glen. We walked back to our starting point on a path that leads you away from the river next to the old mill on the north side of the glen. It takes you into a heavily wooded area and is the route to take in the Spring to see the bluebells that carpet its floor at that time of the year. For us on this Autumn day the whole area was covered with beautiful golden, red and brown leaves. This glen is very special.