Irene & I set off from Douglas, opting to take the bus this time. It costs £5.70 each return to Port Erin (or that zone)
Having just had a knee operation just over two weeks before this walk and also because I stopped to take so many photographs, this time the journey times were 1 hour(3 years ago just 45min) to the Sound Cafe and a further hour and a half from there to Port Erin, though we do still maintain a fair pace, so allow a little longer if you are not used to this type of terrain or if you like to break off to enjoy the views, flora or fauna.
I've been slightly disappointed with the quality of photograph from my i-phone 5c but my daughter patiently explained (yes right) that I've inadvertently being using the wrong setting, so you'll have to imagine the colours.
As I alluded to earlier, this walk is at times challenging under foot, particularly if there has been rain and there are places where it is muddy and others where you have to rock-hop a little. On the section between the Sound and Port St. Mary, there is a particularly steep hill, so it would require a certain level of fitness and though I have done this route with young children, be warned that you could end up carrying them at times.
The Calf Sound is one of the most visited areas on the Island and there is a cafe which is supposed to blend into its surroundings and therefore looks a bit like the Telly Tubby House but does generally provide decent food and drinks.
Invariably you will be able to see seals on Kitterland (small islet between mainland and the calf) and they often swim right up to the rocks, so there is an opportunity to get quite close to them if you fancy a bit of a climb.
On the way around Spanish Head you also pass the Chasms which is well worth the detour if you have the time.
On this occasion, we didn't follow the footpath right along the coast into the village because my aforementioned joint was starting to ache a little, so we sneaked between the golf course, missing Perwick Bay where there used to be a hotel.
You can eat at Port St. Mary in the golf club and there is also a cafe about a mile further along the coast, though on this occasion, we opted for the Albert Hotel which is a pub.
Unfortunately, the other pub, the Bay View is closed at the moment
The cat walk which runs over the beach which was damaged in the winter storms but is apparently now re-opened.
If you have left your vehicle in Port Erin, there are two ways which should get you there in about 15 to 20 minutes, though the bus and the train do run directly from Port St. Mary.
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