Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Guided Walking Breaks for Solo Travellers | Isle of Man

What to expect

Four-star Hotel

Four-star Hotel

Centrally located Mannin Hotel

3 Days Guided Walking

3 Days Guided Walking

Spectacular views & heritage sites

Heritage Railways

Heritage Railways

Vintage steam & electric journeys

IOM Heritage Pass

IOM Heritage Pass

Manx National Heritage sites access

About this trip...

Discover the charm of the Isle of Man with Solos on a guided walking holiday that blends gentle 4-5 mile walks with visits to heritage sites, cosy villages, and stunning landscapes. Each day offers something new - from vintage steam and electric railway rides to riverside paths, glens and coastal trails - whilst highlights include the Great Laxey Wheel, Tynwald, Castle Rushen, and views from Peel Hill. With a local guide to share the island's stories and ensure a smooth experience, the trip balances exploration with plenty of time for refreshments, sightseeing, and unwinding in good company.
Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's included?

  • Return flights & airport transfers
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Double/twin room for sole use
  • Solos Board: Breakfast daily & two dinners
  • Welcome drink
  • Isle of Man Explorer Pass (unlimited bus, tram & railway + entry to all Manx National Heritage sites)
  • Three guided walking days
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

What's extra:

  • Insurance click here

Itinerary

  • Arrive Isle of Man
  • Steam Train & Malew Riverside Ramble
  • Electric Railway & Laxey Lower Valley
  • Tynwald, Heritage Trail & Peel Hill
  • Depart Isle of Man

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrive on Isle of Man

Day One: Arrive on Isle of Man

Your journey begins as you journey to the Isle of Man, a beautiful island full of character and charm. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel and check in, taking some time to unpack, relax, enjoy a gentle stroll along the seafront or visit the Manx Museum. In the evening, we gather for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel - the perfect chance to meet fellow travellers at the start of our adventure.
 
  • Dinner included
Day Two: Steam Train & Malew Riverside Ramble

Day Two: Steam Train & Malew Riverside Ramble

After breakfast, we meet the local walking guide and after a short walk to Douglas Railway Station, we board the vintage carriages of the steam train to Ballasalla. The walk begins in Ballasalla, passing the evocative ruins of Rushen Abbey before continuing into Silverdale Glen. Highlights include the 14th-century Mon's Bridge and the boating lake with its rare Victorian water-powered merry-go-round, where a short break is welcome.
The route then follows the peaceful Silverburn River, a gentle path that winds into the harbour town of  Castletown, the islands former capital. Here, there is time to enjoy refreshments in a cafe or pub, explore market square, or visit Castle Rushen, one of the best-preserved medival castles in the British Isles before returning to Douglas by steam train or bus.

  • What to expect: Flat natural footpaths beside the river; one stile to cross. Cafes and pubs are available in Castletown.
  • Walk Distance: Four miles (127ft ascent)
  • Walk time: Around three hours
  • Breakfast included 
 
Day Three: Electric Railway & Laxey Lower Valley

Day Three: Electric Railway & Laxey Lower Valley

After breakfast, we walk to the northern end of Douglas promenade to board the Manx Electric Railway - a Victorian-era tram that trundles along the coast with sweeping views of the Irish Sea. The journey to Laxey is a highlight itself, offering a unique glimpse of the island's landscapes.

The walk begins at Laxey Station, with the first stop being the Great Laxey Wheel, the world's largest working waterwheel and a proud symbol of the island's mining heritage. The route then climbs gently towards Agneash, a former mining village nestled in the hills, before winding across peaceful countryside paths.

From here, the trail visits King Orry's Grace, an impressive Neolithic chambered tomb that has stood for over 4,000 years. The final stretch leading back down through Laxey village and to the picturesque harbour, before returning to Laxey Station for the journey back to Douglas.

 
  • What to expect: A varied walk on village lanes and countryside paths, with gentle ascents and rewarding views. Opportunities to explore key heritage sites, including the Great Laxey Wheel and King Orry's Grave. Cafes and pubs are available in Laxey.
  • Walk distance: Five miles (approx. 180ft ascent).
  • Walk time: Around three hours
  • Breakfast included
Day Four: Tynwald, Heritage Trail & Peel Hill

Day Four: Tynwald, Heritage Trail & Peel Hill

After breakfast, we walk to Douglas bus station to board a service heading west to St John's Village, a village with a special importance in Manx culture. St John's is home to Tynwald Hill, the ancient site of the island's parliament, which has met here for over a thousand years and is recognised as the oldest continuous parliament in the world.

From St John's, the route follows part of the Heritage Trail, a peacful pathway along a former railway line, before turning towards Knockaloe Beg and climing onto Peel Hill. Here, the views stretch across the Irish Sea and over the harbour town of Peel. A short detour leads to Corrin's Tower, a 19th Century monument and superb vantage point.

The walk concludes with a descent into Peel, arriving by the dramatic ruins of Peel Castle, once a stronghold of Viking kings. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring Peel's narrow streets, harbourfront, and enjoying refreshments in one of the cafes or pubs before returning to Douglas by bus.

This evening we meet for one final farewell dinner in the hotel.

 

  • What to expect: A mix of flat former railway trail and moderate hillside paths with a steady clim to Peel Hill. Historic highlights include Tynwald Hill, Corrin's Tower and Peel Castle. Cafes and pubs are available in Peel.
  • Walk distance: Approx. Five miles (600-650ft ascent)
  • Walk time: Around four hours 
  • For those who prefer a gentler option, the walk can be adapted to avoid the climb onto Peel Hill
  • Breakfast and dinner included
Day Five: Depart Isle of Man

Day Five: Depart Isle of Man

After breakfast, you have free time to explore further with your included Heritage Pass before bidding Slane Ihiat - "goodbye" in Manx to the Isle of Man with memories of coastal walks, ancient history and new friendships and transfer to the airport for your flight.

 
  • Breakfast included

Accommodation

Four-Star Mannin Hotel

The Mannin Hotel is located in the heart of Douglas, just steps away from the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre offering the warmth of true Manx hospitality and a perfect base for our time in the Isle of Man.
Facilities:
The Mannin Hotel features a lounge bar to relax in and an open-plan ground floor restaurant for dining. Complimentary Wifi is available throughout the hotel.
Room includes:
The 54 rooms feature contemporary decor and all the modern amenities you need including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, television, tea-making facilities, hairdryer and shower (some over bath).

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info Regional flights
8 Jul 2026 12 Jul 2026 4
£1589
  Please call for regional flights

Essential Information

Currency
The Isle of Man has its own currency - the Manx Pound.
 
The British pound sterling is accepted, however you may receive change in Manx currency which is not accepted in the UK.
Transfer Time
The transfer time from Isle of Man Airport to the hotel is approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic.
What to wear
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort. The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
  • Walking boots with good ankle support
  • Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
  • Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
  • Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
  • Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
  • Walking socks – several pairs
  • Lightweight fleece or jumper
  • Hat & gloves
  • Daysack/rucksack for walking
  • Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
  • Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
  • Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
  • Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses.
Walking Programme
Three guided walks are included in the programme. The walking programme requires good physical fitness and you can expect to walk approx 4 to 5 miles each day. Steam and electric railways and local buses will be used to transfer you to the starting point and from the end point of the walks. 

Walking notes  Walking boots: Essential. It is recommended to purchase a snack and drink to take with you before each walk. Lunch on all days will be at own cost. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. 
 
If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking. You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it.
 
Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advise or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides porters and hotel staff of approximately £15. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.

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Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

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First Class

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David F

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Fabulous experience

Solos are extremely organised and provide fantastic holidays for people on their own. The tour leaders are of a very high standard and are extremely caring with the guests.
-Carole

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Don't Delay any Longer!

This was my first Solos holiday and it hugely exceeded my expectations. Lovely, lovely people made the holiday so special.....it will stay with me for always
-L Heaton

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Well worth going

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos holiday and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia B

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