Railways
The island has a total of 68.5 km (42.6 mi) of railway, of which 43.5 km (27.0 mi) is electrified. There are six separate rail systems on the island:
- Isle of Man Steam Railway - operated by Isle of Man Heritage Railways
- Manx Electric Railway - operated by Isle of Man Heritage Railways
- Snaefell Mountain Railway - operated by Isle of Man Heritage Railways
- Douglas Horse Tram - operated by the Douglas Borough Council
- Groudle Glen Railway - operated by the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters' Association
- Great Laxey Mine Railway - operated by the Laxey & Lonan Heritage Trust
Beginning at Peel, on the west coast of the island, one can make a 'circular tour' of the Isle of Man railways - with a little bit of help from the buses. Taking Bus Route 8 from Peel to Port Erin, you pick up the Isle of Man Steam Railway for a journey to Douglas. A short walk from Douglas Railway Station to the promenade brings you to the Douglas Horse Tram line, which takes you to Derby Castle at the opposite end of the prom. At Derby Castle, the Manx Electric Railway begins its route northwards to Laxey and Ramsey. At Laxey, the MER interchanges with the Snaefell Mountain Railway - and a change of carriage will allow you to ride to the top of Snaefell. Upon returning to Laxey, the MER offers a route northwards to Ramsey. The final leg, from Ramsey back to Peel, is achieved by taking Bus Route 5. Leaving Peel at 8:10 am, and allowing time for a light lunch at the top of Snaefell, the total journey time is a little over 6 hours.
Read more about this topic: Transport In The Isle Of Man
Famous quotes containing the word railways:
“There is nothing in machinery, there is nothing in embankments and railways and iron bridges and engineering devices to oblige them to be ugly. Ugliness is the measure of imperfection.”
—H.G. (Herbert George)