Essential Info

Accommodation

The accommodation for the walking holiday is the four star Best Western Palace Hotel, Douglas, Isle of Man. Rooms are twin rooms based on two people sharing and the package includes 4 nights bed with breakfast. The hotel offers evening meals and is also very central to take advantage of local amenities and alternative local restaurants. The hotel has a complimentary swimming pool and leisure facilities that guests are welcome to use.

Food & Drink

Meals included during the holiday: All breakfasts

For the walk(s) please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments. Occasionally on some guided walks (Grade 1 to 2 walks) we may pass a country inn or tea room where if we have time we can call in, however having a packed lunch with you gives the group the freedom to have lunch wherever we are on the walking route.

On each evening after the days walk, an optional social evening is organised by Country Adventures, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

Transport

For guided walking tours that require transport from the meeting point to the start of the walk, we use a minibus or where necessary local transport. The Isle of Man walking holiday also includes a ride on the Manx Electric Railway and travel by steam railway. There is no extra charge for this, it is included in the tour price.

Fitness Levels

Our walks are by no means designed to be endurance tests where everyone sets off at a blistering pace. Far from it, it’s about a fine day in the hills in good company enjoying the best of fell walking with exceptional views but it is important to state that for everyone’s walking enjoyment walking does require a minimum level of fitness and stamina. Hill / Mountain walking experience is not essential as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. For the higher level graded walks (i.e. Challenging Grade) it is advisable that you are someone who enjoys regular cardio exercise or have experience of mountain walking and have the stamina/ leg strength in order to be better prepared for longer sections of uphill & downhill walking associated with higher mountain treks.

Walking Grades Explained

Grade 1 (Leisurely) Normally 5-8 miles, may include gentle ascents and descents of up to a total 1100ft of ascent and similar descent over a day’s walk. Easier scenic walking at lower altitudes along paths and tracks.

Grade 2 (Moderate) Normally 6-10 miles on paths and tracks, between 800ft – 1700ft of total ascent and similar descent. Longer walks, on hills and moorland.

Grade 3 (Moderate Mountain) Normally ranging from 6-10 miles, between 1700ft – 2600ft of ascent, similar descent. Longer walks, over higher ground with possibly steeper ups and downs on paths and tracks.

Grade 4 (Challenging) Normally ranging from 8-13 miles, between 1500ft – 3000+ft of ascent, similar descent, over undulating mountain terrain, walking at higher levels with steep ups and downs. Suitable for people with a good level of fitness.

Kit List

What you need to bring with you for the walks

• Good, comfortable walking boots with a cleated sole and good ankle support are essential.
• Waterproof jacket and over-trousers.
• Warm, dry walking clothing. Unsuitable clothing includes Jeans or cotton tracksuit bottoms and cotton t-shirts (cotton is a poor insulating fabric and when wet it takes a long time to dry, which can lead to a rapid loss of body heat as well as being uncomfortable).
• A number of thin layers are better than one thick/ heavy jumper. We suggest a fleece for extra warmth especially when we stop on the hills for lunch.
• Hat and gloves (even in summer – any wind chill on the mountain tops will lead to cooler temperatures).
• Sunglasses, sun cream.
• Hot or cold drinks (i.e. a minimum of 2 litres of water).
• Plenty of food and drink for lunch and snacks.
• A rucksack large enough to carry it all in (20-30 litres), ideally with a waterproof liner.
• Any medication you need.
• Thermos flask. We recommend bringing warm drinks with you, as even on sunny days it can occasionally feel cooler, especially on the summits of the higher-level mountain walks.
• Walking poles (if you use them).

We want you to enjoy your time with Country Adventures and have the best possible adventure experience. Please be aware that if any participants are not properly equipped for the walk (i.e. with walking boots and waterproofs), at the guide’s discretion we reserve the right to not allow them on the walk for reasons of safety for both the individual and the group. If you need clarification any of the equipment requirements, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an essential requirements for this holiday. The Isle of Man and the UK have a reciprocal health agreement in place where UK residents visiting the Isle of Man have the assurance of receiving free emergency healthcare. Although treatment is free, seeing a GP for routine medical conditions or repatriation (return travel to someone’s home country) is not part of the reciprocal agreement. Because of this, all UK residents who travel to the Isle of Man should ensure that they have adequate insurance in place for visiting a GP for routine medical conditions while on holiday, but also in the event of repatriation being required.

We recommend that you protect yourself with suitable travel insurance when undertaking adventure events / tours / holidays which cover you for the activities you partake in. But also, a policy that has holiday cancellation insurance to cover you if your tour is cancelled, or you cannot make it to the trip, due to adverse weather conditions.

Travel Information

– By Air

The Isle of Man Airport (Ronaldsway) is 10 miles (16.1km) from the hotel, approximately 20 minutes’ drive away by bus or taxi. The local bus No.1 or No.2 stops outside the Palace Hotel. To find out more flight information visit Fly to the Isle of Man.

– By Sea 

The Isle of Man Sea Terminal is just over 1 mile (1.9km) from the hotel. The Steam Packet Company operates ferry services to the Isle Of Man from Heysham, Liverpool, Dublin and Belfast. From the UK mainland there is a conventional ferry (Ben-my-Chree) or fast craft (Manannan), please check Heysham and Liverpool for operating schedules. For sailings visit Sail to the Isle of Man.

– Local Buses

It is very easy getting around the island by taxi and public transport. The No.1 / No.2 bus service connects Douglas with the main regions on the Isle of Man.

Tour Schedule & Activity Meeting Times

Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the meeting point at the required time. The transport for our day walks will leave promptly at the stated time and due to the nature of scheduled tours, we are unable to provide refunds if unfortunately, you miss the departure time.

Meeting Point

Welcome Evening – 7pm at the Palace Hotel

Walking Days – 9.30am at the hotel lobby, Palace Hotel

Address: Best Western Palace Hotel, Central Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4NA