Tuesday, Trains, trams and mountains

We took the steam train from Ballasalla to Douglas today. A lovely ride through the countryside. When we arrived at Douglas we missed our connecting horse tram across the promenade so we had to await the next one. Strong shire horses pull the single carriages along the sea front. They are well looked after, changed over regularly and when they retire are looked after in the horse rest home on the island.

Next, the electric trams took us to Laxey and a final change to take the mountain tram up Snafell. Low cloud meant an obscured view so we warmed up in the cafe at the top. Coffee and cake tastes better 2036 feet above sea level. Thoroughly warmed, we ventured outside to find that the clouds had cleared and we could see down the mountain towards Douglas.

Catching the tram back down we had a short wait for the next one to Douglas. We retraced our steps, but in order to catch the final steam train back to Ballasalla we needed to run! We just made it. Phew.

We returned to The Barn, our accommodation, and relaxed for a bit. Unfortunately the train/tram travel, due to connecting times, had not been very relaxing. We were glad to get back to our base.

After a rest, a cup of tea and a freshen up, we headed back out to the village pub, the Whitestone Inn, Ballasalla, for an evening meal. Lovely food, warm and welcoming. Good wine too. Our tummies full we headed back to sleep. Shattered after such a hectic day.