Peel

The Peel triangle

 

Monday 23rd January 2012

 

Although the days are gradually lengthening, the sun is still late in rising and the car's automatic headlights came on when we left for Peel at quarter past eight.  By the time we had parked at Fenella Beach and started the climb up Peel Hill, the sun was peeping over the hills and shining on St Patrick's Isle - but it was very cold on the exposed hillside in the strong wind.  St Patrick's Isle used to be an island - at least at high tide - but now there is a road across the causeway from the base of Peel Hill.  The road provides access to the castle, the life boat station and the deep water mooring at the jetty on the north west of the little island.

Photo addicts are spoiled for choice on this climb with the Isle and its ruined castle and cathedral to the west and the "City" of Peel to the north.  Peel claims city status on account of its cathedral but I am not sure whether this is a valid claim.  It is said to be the most Manx of the towns on the Island and the centre is relatively unspoiled although the old part of the town is surrounded by modern housing developments.  The marina development at the mouth of the river is fairly recent.  Like most of the Island's smaller ports, old Peel harbour in the mouth of the Neb is tidal and the boats used to recline in the mud at low tide.  Now a barrier holds back the waters of the Neb.  The best part of this (as far as we are concerned) is the footbridge above the barrier.  This means that we can cross the river from the town without walking all the way around the inner harbour to the road bridge near the kipper factory. 

Near the top of Peel Hill is Corrin's Folly and the little walled burial ground.  According to "An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Isle of Man"  the tower "was built in 1806 by a Mr. Corrin, a staunch Non-conformist, to demonstrate his belief that it was possible to be buried in other than consecrated ground."  There is a fuller description here  http://www.iomguide.com/corrinstower.php

 

Then we walked down the back of Peel Hill enjoying the shelter from the onshore wind, and along a public right of way through farmland to the Raggatt where we crossed the Neb River.  I have often wondered about the origin of the name of this area of wooded parkland.  It appears to have been taken from the name of a large property which belonged at one time to a nephew of Robert Southey and later became a school described as "a superior establishment for young ladies".  I found another reference which states "Kneen (place names) has Scand. Rargata,'roe path or track.' This estate is alongside of the river Neb, and there still exists an old road leading from the high lands to the river, along which, no doubt, the king's roes came to drink" 

Then we headed east towards St John's along the route of the old railway line.  The only sign of its original use is the occasional rotting sleeper almost buried in the mud.

The first section was wet with the river to the right and boggy pools to the left!

Just before we reached St John's we turned north onto the old branch line to Ramsey.  This runs through farmland with nothing of great interest to show you - unless you are particularly fond of sheep.  I have managed to resist the temptation to include sheep photos.  Finally we left the railway line and walked down to the coast.  This is the view along the coast (looking north) that we enjoyed from the bench where we stopped for a snack.

The final side of the triangle was the walk back along the cliffs to Peel.  This photo shows the path.  In the background you can see the silhouette of the castle on St Patrick's Isle and Peel Hill with Corrin's Folly just visible on the left.