RUNNING THE HIDDEN ISLE
NEW DATE: 16 - 19 MAY 2025
ONLY 4 SPACES LEFT
PRICE:
£695PP
BOOK WITH JUST 10% DEPOSIT + PAY OFF IN INSTALMENTS
SINGLE ROOM UPGRADE: £155 PER PERSON
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EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
The Isle of Man is a hidden gem, quietly tucked away in the Irish sea between Ireland and the mainland UK. What you’ll find is a sensational wilderness, characterised by lush valleys, rolling hills and a rugged coastline scattered with secret beaches. Now regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in Britain, you can see why we've decided to host a trail running experience here.
Glen’s with waterfalls and rounded mountain peaks, rocky beaches and lighthouses, cosy inns & artisanal restaurants. On this experience we’ll spend 3-full days topping up the trail tank, running perfect trails set away from the rat race of busy life.
We’ll cross the island, hit the highest peak, and glide our way around its coastline to experience a trail-running adventure like no other.
INCLUDES
3 nights' accommodation on the seafront (twin share basis)
Fully-supported trail running trip
Group arrival/departure transfers at set-times
All transfers throughout our stay
Breakfast and lunches throughout the trip
Two qualified trail running guides throughout
Support vehicle throughout (fully stocked)
3 days of trail running on exceptional trails
Aid stations
Calf of Man Boat Excursion
Local sightseeing
Trails & Trees: with every booking, we plant a tree
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ITINERARY
+ DAY 1: ISLE OF MAN ARRIVAL. COASTAL TRAILS
+ DAY 2: SOUTH WEST OF THE ISLAND
+ DAY 3: CROSS ISLAND TRAILS
+ DAY 4: DEPARTURE FROM DOUGLAS
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OUR ITINERARY
DAY 01 | ISLAND ARRIVAL. COASTAL TRAILS
Trail Running Approx. 12 - 15km / 260m+
Welcome to the Isle of Man! Ronaldsway is a small airport just a short drive from the capital Douglas.
Please look to arrive before midday where we’ll be hosting a group transfer at a set time. If you arrive outside of transfer time it is easy to get a taxi or bus into Douglas where we’ll arrange to meet you.
Check-in and relax before meeting with your fellow group, once everyone is settled we’ll have an introduction in the restaurant and a briefing by our team of guides with tea and coffee.
This afternoon we have planned an easy 8-mile trail run which starts and finishes from our hotel. It’s a lovely trail to begin with, first leaving the promenade and heading south from Douglas, we soon pick up Marine Drive, which runs brilliantly along the craggy coastline with amazing views to get us going. Our route takes us to some small, hidden beaches at Port Soderick, through the National Glen, before heading back to Douglas via the Fairy Bridge.
DAY 02 | SOUTH WEST OF THE ISLAND
Trail Running Approx. 13 - 16km / 560m+
We have a brilliant day in store as we explore the southwest corner of the island. We start on our trail from the harbour where the coastal trail advances through grassy footpaths and open moorland before winding up on towering cliffs. From here we have wide views of the Irish Sea.
The route heads over the Chasms, and out to Spanish Head which marks the southernmost point of the Isle of Man.
The trail follows the coast north towards the seaside village of Port Erin, our finish for today after we’ve made the short summit to Milner’s Tower, which stands proudly at Bradda Head overlooking the bay.
Subject to the weather we have a boat excursion planned in the afternoon which will take us out on the water for 1.5 - 2 hours. It’s worth knowing we won’t know until the day whether the boat excursion will operate due to local weather conditions.
DAY 3 | CROSS ISLAND TRAILS
Trail Running Approx. 27km / 600m+
After an early breakfast, prepare our kit for our long trail run as we cross the entire island today.
This is an exceptional trail as we follow the ‘Vie Regia’ an ancient trail route which the former Kings of Man travelled from Ramsey to Castletown in the 13th Century. It’s scenically amazing as we’ll view all corners of the island from the top.
We’ll head first towards Laxey where we take the Victorian mountain train to the ‘bungalow’ which marks our start of the trail. From here we ascend Snaefell (the highest point on the island), before descending into Crosby. We’ll travel through a wide variety of terrains as we follow the Silverburn River down into Ballasalla.
Our final part of the trail sees us arrive at the Medieval Castle Rushen in Castletown.
Celebrating our journey we’ll head back to our hotel with enough time to chill and relax. With drinks and dinner out in town later to toast a great trip.
DAY 4 | HOMEWARD BOUND
No trail running.
It’s time to pack up and bid farewell to your newfound trail-running friends and our local team.
A group transfer is arranged for you back to Ronaldsway Airport in time to connect with your onward flight back home.
WHERE WE STAY
THE EMPRESS, DOUGLAS
Beautifully located in Douglas Bay and on the sea-front, The Empress boasts great views overlooking the Irish Sea.
The Empress is a 4* Victorian townhouse hotel which is wonderfully located in central Douglas making it convenient for getting around the Isle of Man.
IMPORTANT NOTES
+ HOW DO I GET THERE?
The Isle of Man is well connected to the mainland. You can fly to Ronaldsway International Airport (IOM) almost daily from Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, London Gatwick, Belfast & Edinburgh with Easyjet.
Logan Air also fly directly from Birmingham and London Heathrow. For international arrivals, you will likely need to transit through one of the above-named hubs.
+ WHAT SORT OF MILEAGE WILL WE BE COVERING?
We'll be out on the trail each day for around about 3 - 5 hours spent on our feet, however, it's not all out running as we aim to jog the flats, run the downhills and walk up the steeper uphill sections. We'll be making plenty of stops at a variety of stops on each of the legs, ranging from hidden beaches, fairy bridges, mountain tops and waterfalls. It's going to be so much fun!
Our aim is for everybody to enjoy the experience and there is no pressure on running speeds. We'll naturally spread out as a group as individuals' pacing will be different, however with two running guides, one of us will always be close by to show you the route. We may also split into groups to allow us to move more fluidly, however, we'll discuss this with you once the trip begins.
+ WE HAVE OUR OWN SUPPORT VEHICLE THROUGHOUT
Throughout the adventure, we will have a support vehicle with us each day. The vehicle will also be our 'pop-up' aid station at intervals along the route, providing us with water, snacks, lunches and nutrition. You are also available to store any luggage that you wish to have carried for you.
Should anyone decide they do not want to continue you can hop in the vehicle and be transferred to a spot further along the route to rejoin the group, or if you've simply had enough for the day then we can transfer you back to the hotel to relax.
+ WHAT SORT OF TERRAIN WILL WE BE RUNNING ON?
Rugged cliffs, rolling hills, picturesque glens, hidden coves and panoramic views. These are just a few of the reasons why the Isle of Man is a trail delight.
We’ll experience a mixture of terrain; from quiet lanes, and paved tracks to undulating, grassy coastal trails, and high-rounded mountain tops.
Underfoot conditions will vary throughout.
The coastal trails can be quite rocky and at times we will tower over big cliff faces that drop down to the sea. When wet the rocky sections can be increasingly slippery which heightens the importance of making sure you have the correct footwear (trail shoes with appropriate tread) and taking greater care underfoot.
+ WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?
We hope for late spring sunshine, but there is always the chance of rain on the Isle of Man. Knowing what the weather is like in the UK it's always best to cater for all occasions and please dress appropriately.
We run the trails in spring when the countryside is lush and green. We can expect daily temperatures to sit on an average of 16 degrees C, however, being in Britain there is every chance of a warmer spell (20 degrees C) or a colder spell (10+ degrees C).
May is one of the driest months on the island, but we should be prepared for the high chance of rain and wind, as well as bright sunshine. In the mountains, it is not unusual to experience four seasons in one day.
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