Isle of Man Guide

Access:	Electric tram, car or on foot
Location:	East, near Onchan or 2.5 miles north of Douglas
OS Ref:	4278
Parking:	Ample, close by
River:	Groudle
Type:	Coastal Glen
Woodland:	Beech, Larch and Pine

About Groudle Glen

A glen created by Richard Maltby Broadbent for the surge of summertime tourists. Opened in 1893 as 'The Fern Glen of the Isle of Man', its appeal was Lonely Valley (Lhen Coan in Manx) a small natural canyon and a large pool made within a cove near the coastline. There six sea lions imported from California lived.

In 1895, side stands, a bowling green and bandstand were added, along with miniature waterwheel and house. Then in 1896, a miniature railway (now known as the Groudle Glen Railway) was opened to run from Lonely Valley (Lhen Coan in Manx) around the headland to the sea lion rocks.

Today Groudle Glen is a quiet location to walk. The Electric Railway lets off next to it. The glen can be divided into two sections. There is the path leading to the Groudle Glen Railway and the coast, where there are beautiful views of the sea. The other side of the glen is under the railway bridge. This section of the glen is easier to walk along thanks to the wood panel and paved paths. Following along side the Groudle River the path leads to Molly Quirk's Glen, which is connected to Groudle Glen by a passageway under the main road.