Ramblers over to Isle of Man

Members of Audlem Ramblers Society (ARS) have now all returned from their first ever overseas expedition, a trip to the Isle of Man dubbed inevitably, given the island's sporting fame, ARS Over T.T.

Nineteen members took part in the visit, mainly travelling by ferry last Friday. Four opted for a flight from Liverpool Airport. Unfortunately, their early morning flight took off but could not land because of thick fog and had to return to Liverpool, a trip soon named ARS About Face.

Fortunately, a later attempt to land was successful.

Hikes

Three hikes ranging from 21 to 8 miles in length were scheduled for the Saturday, which lived up to the forecasters' prediction – wet, windy and very poor visibility. All three walks were in the south west of the island along cliff top paths with views that would have been spectacular in better conditions.

The shorter walk managed to get to their designation of Port Erin five minutes before the last of the day's narrow gauge steam trains left for Douglas, a very pleasant hour's journey in ancient carriages that brought back memories of travel in another age.

Dinner

The trip's dinner on the Saturday night had been planned by Tony Tackett, a non-Audlem member of ARS whose daughter lives on the island. He was warmly thanked by Steve Elliott on behalf of all on the trip.

On the remaining days, small groups did their own thing. A group of four attempted the walk across Jeremy Clarkson's land near Castletown after hearing how much the highly respected and much loved Top Gear presenter delighted in ramblers wandering near to his property on a public footpath. Unfortunately, the wind was so strong that two of the party were blown backwards before reaching their goal.

Intrepid

One intrepid member managed to walk almost fifty miles over the trip while two younger members took bikes with them and explored far and wide. Many satisfied themselves with the local pubs where, in one favourite Douglas hostelry, the local Bushey's bitter was just £2.40 a pint.

The Isle of Man was new territory to many and all commented on how friendly and courteous everyone there seemed. In the very best sense, it was like turning the clock back thirty years.

The group's base, the Ascot Hotel in Douglas, met approval all round and, we are glad to report, it has very healthy bookings from now until the end of October, a clear sign the economy is doing well on the island.

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