The 100-mile Raad ny Foillan (literally "Way of the Gull") is the coast path that runs around the entirety of the Isle of Man.

We'd previously done snippets of the bit that takes you round the bottom toe of the Island (from Port St Mary to Port Erin, via the Sound, the stretch of water that separates the main island from its pup, the Calf of Man). But we'd never done the Full Monty.

Let me tell you: It's totally awesome, especially on a bright blue sunny day (only our second such since we arrived). So if you think I'm overdoing the superlatives in the following account, I'm really not...

Recipe:

-- Park up by the erstwhile Chasms Cafe (assuming you've already walked the lovely stretch from Port St Mary):






-- Walk towards the Sound, enjoying the superb and ever-changing cliff scenery, and the company of the sheep and the seabirds:









-- Stop off at The Sound Cafe, order one of their stupendous breakfasts, and eat it out on their big deck (while everyone else who's not arrived on foot is all huddled up inside):


-- Thus fortified, carry on up the west coast. If anything, it's even more spectacular:









-- Follow the steep road back up to where you've parked your car. You've been down at sea level, so this is a bit of a slog (and have you noticed how the sun comes out and the wind dies whenever you start to head uphill...?) But there's plenty to keep you entertained:






So, quite a tiring walk, with plenty of that classic coast-path up-and-down quality. But incredibly rewarding. Red-letter day.