Events
IOMNHAS SUMMER EXCURSIONS 2026
Saturday 25th April – 2.30 pm
Turkeyland walk
Leader - Philip Pain
This walk covers a rich history, including post-Glacial features, a Bronze Age village, the port of Derbyhaven, the Battle of Ronaldsway 1275, farming and quarrying, the development of the airfield, discovery of significant archaeology, modern radar, the main runway extension and climatic conditions. A one-way 0.6 miles/ 1 km walk, rough track at the start.
From Ballasalla, take the road through Balthane estate almost to the quarry at the end. Parking is on the track on the left leading up towards the radar mast, park where directed. Meet at the bottom of this track: SC 293 690 https://what3words.com/clockwork.blossoms.impressions 54.088390, -4.611263 https://maps.app.goo.gl/KtCY9VCEfWFJGJ3MA
Saturday 9th May – 2.30 pm
King William’s College – Hidden Treasures
Leader - Dr Mike Hoy
This tour will take in hidden treasures and lesser known stories of King William’s College, including the Barrovian Hall and the Chapel of St Thomas. The tour begins outside on the South field, but is mostly indoors. The tour includes many stairs and much standing. There are worn steps and a slippery floor in the Chapel if it's wet. MEMBERS ONLY, booking not required. Park in the College main car park on the left of the drive and meet at the Reception on the South front (facing the sea): SC 277 680 https://what3words.com/oasis.slippage.lawn 54.078878, -4.635007 https://maps.app.goo.gl/hffduFdsXz9SdwSK6
Wednesday 20th May – 6.30 pm
South Barrule plantation
Leader - Peter Knowles
This evening walk will look at various aspects of the South Barrule plantation, led by the forester who was based here and responsible for implementing the Forestry Expansion Programme in the 1980s. As well as enjoying the extensive views recently revealed by the large scale clearances, we will seek the largest tree, note the disused Foxdale drinking water supply, discuss the history and management of the plantation and investigate how the Victorians sourced the energy to run mine machinery. The walk is on rough tracks which may be muddy – maximum 2 miles / 3km. There is plenty of parking in South Barrule plantation main car park. MEMBERS ONLY - BOOKING ESSENTIAL, preferably by email, contact details foot of the next page. Meet at SC 275 767 https://what3words.com/spoke.faraway.crater 54.156955, -4.642618 https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRYjmSSYGD3nPusy8
Saturday 13th June – 2.30 pm
Lecture: Early Manx Law
Speaker – Dr Jo Wolf, University College Cork
This lecture on Language and Identity in Early Manx Law, 1417–1430 will present a reassessment of early Manx in light of new insights into the social and linguistics forces that shaped fifteenth century Manx law. Although most early Manx writing is found in seventeenth century ecclesiastical texts, the earliest fragments of the languages are found within the late medieval Irish and English legal records, as is presented in the speaker’s forthcoming book, Early Manx Law in the Anglo-Irish Tradition.
Venue: Manx Museum Lecture Theatre, Kingswood Grove / Crellin’s Hill, Douglas; refreshments after.
Wednesday 15th July – 6.30 pm
Douglas beach - shore search and rockpool exploration
Leader - Jon Russell-Dunn
This shore-search and rock-pool exploration will be at the North end of Douglas beach, where we’ll look at some of the 240+ species that exist among the rocks on Douglas beach. Led by a keen rock-pooler whose long-term interest has led to a broad knowledge of many creatures, aquatic plants and other marine life. There is no need to clamber on rocks – specimens can be brought to those who’d rather wait on the sand, but wellies/ beach sandals are recommended. MEMBERS ONLY, booking not required. There is plenty of parking opposite Paramount, Queens Promenade, and a gentle ramp down to sand. Meet at the top of the ramp at SC 392 773 https://what3words.com/vouch.harp.allow 54.166046, -4.464288 https://maps.app.goo.gl/UJkUKrhLwrgjnzAi9
Saturday 1st August – 2.30 pm
Andreas Church – the work of Church Recorders
Leader – Jonathan Latimer
At this event we’ll learn all about the work of the Isle of Man Church Recording Group through its record of the furnishings of Kirk Andreas. Church Recording promotes the recognition of the artistic and cultural heritage of churches by compiling a detailed and richly illustrated record of their contents.
Also an opportunity to see the newly redisplayed carved stones/crosses. The event will be based inside the church in Andreas, where there will be refreshments afterwards. There is plenty of parking around the War Memorial. Meet at SC 415 993 https://what3words.com/cunning.craze.pastimes 54.364238, -4.440763 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ffnjWkkJT9TGPHhR7
Saturday 15th August – 8.45 pm
Bat Walk
Leader – Bob Moon
The IoM has nine recorded species of bat. Aided by ultrasound detectors, Bob Moon will reveal the foraging behaviour of these fascinating mammals around Poyll Dooey as they emerge at dusk to hunt their insect prey. A 1 mile/ 1.5km walk along well-trodden paths. Bring a small torch, but please only use sparingly, so as to develop night vision.
Park and meet in the large Whitebridge car park on the NORTHERN bank of the Sulby river (accessed from Jurby Road) at SC 441 951 https://what3words.com/retaining.headlined.fund 54.0672000, -4.7349760 https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Wb6hqddbG6deiia9
Saturday 5th September – 2.30 pm
Ballaragh Folklore
Leader – James Franklin
‘Gallons of tea & fairy song’: A walk through Ballaragh – Ghosts, a plane crash, shipwreck, the devil, Neolithic rock art, fairy parties, a cultural hero, the fear of parachuting Nazis, a moddey dhoo and marauding rowdy youths – Ballaragh’s story is a good one. A 1.5 mile/ 2.5km walk along a quiet country road (occasional traffic).
Parking is at the roadside on the Ballaragh Road, Laxey, near the junction for Ballachrink Farm Cottages. As the road is narrow, please park considerately on one side of the road only. Meet at the turning for Ballachrink Farm Cottages at SC 448 848 https://what3words.com/grumble.tropic.vets 54.235603, -4.382419 https://maps.app.goo.gl/xHB79r8CCA9XHzH29
We would like to remind members that dogs are not allowed on any IoMNHAS excursion, and to please wear footwear / clothing appropriate to the conditions
For queries on any walks please contact events@manxantiquarians.com
or call 461 768 / 493 559.
Any changes to the programme will be advised to members by email,
via our web site: www.manxantiquarians.com and on Bluesky / Twitter / ‘X’: @IOMNHAS
and Facebook: www.facebook.com/IsleofManNaturalHistoryandAntiquarianSociety