Isle of Man Railway - South Line Described

South Line Described

It should be noted that today's railway is a fraction of its original size, having originally also served the western city of Peel, northern town of Ramsey and the small mining village of Foxdale. However, since 1969 the southern line has been the only operational one. Although it is only about half of its former size, Douglas station is still an impressive complex. After crossing the Douglas River, the line climbs the two and a half mile long Nunnery Bank (at a grade of 1 in 65) out of the island's capital through a wide rock cutting that brings it through a large estate, past an industrial estate to the White Hoe, where this island's largest brewery is passed from the left of the train before crossing over the first overbridge. The train continues to climb to Port Soderick, just prior to which passengers get their first view of the sea at Keristal before descending into the station itself. The train then passes through Crogga Woods, and under another bridge at Meary Veg (centre for the island's sewerage treatment works) and climbs, reaching its summit (588 feet (179.2 m) marked by a board visible from the train) close to the site of the former Ballacostain Halt. The train descends to Santon Station which is the only intermediate station in substantially original (1874) condition. From here on the train descends steeply (at 1 in 60) to Ballasalla Station, with interesting sea-cliff views to the east, and all regular service trains pass at this station. After Ballasalla the line runs over relatively flat land past the request halt at Ronaldsway, to the island's ancient capital of Castletown. After Castletown station the railway crosses the Silver Burn and heads northwest across country to the diminutive request stop at Ballabeg. It then turns west for the short run to the local station of Colby, which is popular with the locals. After one further request stop at the Level the train continues towards Port St Mary; travellers can see views of Bradda Head and Milner's Tower on this stretch of line to Port Erin. Port Erin Station is home to the Whistle Stop Cafe providing light refreshments as well as the Port Erin Railway Museum, established in 1975 and housing two locomotives and various other items of rolling stock including the Queen's Coach and Governor's Saloon dating from the opening of the line in 1873. The majority of the line runs through countryside, with only small stretches being close to built-up areas. Many people start or end their journey in Port Erin, a Victorian sea-side resort, or in Castletown, the ancient capital of the Isle of Man. Ronaldsway Halt, located between Ballasalla and Castletown stations, and a few hundred yards walk from the airport, allows travellers to travel to or from the Isle of Man Airport by regular steam train. There are also several farm crossings and rural request stops along the picturesque line which largely serve adjoining fields and localised communities, this being especially prevalent on the southernmost section which passes through agricultural land. The line passes along the southern plain following the more hilly landscape north of Ballasalla.