By: Blonde One
Since I have now booked the ferry to the Isle of Man I can now officially spend hour upon hour gazing over the maps. Playing with maps is always a brilliant way to while away an hour or two and the Isle of Man maps are absolutely no exception. There is a big green ribbon running round the entirety of the island that marks the TT track. I wonder how the locals feel about the race? Are they quietly tolerant to something that disturbs their peace and quiet once a year? Are they fiercely opposed to the whole thing? Are they warmly welcoming to new faces, a bit of vibrancy and the inevitable tourism that comes with it? Can it be compared to the Ten Tors event on Dartmoor?
I have found some very interesting place names on the island. On the west coast is ‘The Cronk’ – I wonder how many ravens we will find there. Also on the west is Jurby with its RAF base (I think), prison and Government Industrial Estate. Jurby is an excellent word to say … try it. To the west of ‘Windy Corner’ is Gob y Creggagh. Side by side are ‘The Old Reading Room’ and ‘Tinker’s Cottage’. I hope we don’t have to ask directions to Bwoaillee Losht as I have no idea how to pronounce it. But the best place by far is where we have chosen to set up our base: the Silly Moos campsite!
Very apt!!!!
On a clear day in Snowdonia you can see across to the Isle of Man so you can see Snowdonia from the Isle of Man if you are able to scale one of their higher points. If you do give us a wave and I will wave back!
We will definitely give you a wave and perhaps even a semaphore message.
There are five Marilyns on the IOM:
‘0233.P’ SC194711 Bradda Hill (233m, p196)
‘0169.P’ SC189676 Mull Hill (169m, p151)
‘0488.P’ SC340883 Slieau Freoaghane (488m, p153)
‘0621.P’ SC397880 Snaefell (621m, p621)
‘0483.P’ SC257759 South Barrule (483m, p436)
Unfortunately none of them have really funny names so you may not be motivated to have a go.
See:
http://www.haroldstreet.org.uk/waypoints/download/?list=marilyns&area=SC
Of course, we now have to visit all five. This will be a challenge in the time given, which is why we will have to do it!
I love, love, LOVE the Isle of Man…you will fall in love with the place after your trip, I promise!
If you’re heading to Jurby, be sure to call into the Jurby Junkshop
Have never been there during the actual TT races, but we’ve been camping there during practice week, much to our excitement!
With regards to placenames, I can’t believe the Two Blondes missed the awesome Cronk-Y-Voddy !! Don’t we all get a little cronky on voddy? 🙂
Cronky on voddy – possibly! Not on this trip perhaps. We’re very excited to go.