Marine Drive

Marine Drive is a great dog walk with exceptional views, the road was closed to traffic some years ago but is open to walkers and cyclists and forms part of the Raad ny Foillan, ‘The Way of the Gull’ long-distance path. The more energetic can walk the whole route, approximately 8km, and possibly catch the steam train back.

You can start to drive along, but you will have to turn around at some point, although when driving, you must be aware that rock falls continue to be a problem. This means you can go to the road closure gates, park your car, and walk along.

You will get great views over the Little Ness Marine Nature Reserve (MNR), and you may spot some whales and dolphins. Minke whales are most common in September and October, Risso’s dolphins in the summer, Bottlenose dolphins in the winter and Basking sharks occasionally.

Marine Drive was originally part of the Southern Electric Railway, which opened in 1896 but was closed during the wars, and although it reopened after WW1, it never reopened after WW2. After significant investment and work, mainly to remove the bridges and cut the road into the cliffs, Marine Drive opened in 1962 as a Douglas to Port Soderick roadway but closed 20 years later in 1977 due to coastal erosion and landslides.