Snaefell Mountain on the Isle of Man

Written by Kelsey F.

Last update: February 2, 2024.

1. Facts:

Snaefell is the Sole Mountain and tallest peak on the Isle of Man with a top elevation of 2,034 feet above sea level.
Six kingdoms, including the Isle of Man, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Heaven, are visible from the peak of Snaefell on a clear day.
A cafe that serves refreshments is located at the peak, and during the summer months, a frequent tram service runs from Laxey to the peak of the hill.
Snaefell is a well-liked location for hikers, who can access the peak from Laxey or the Bungalow Tram Station, respectively, where parking is accessible and specific hiking gear is not necessary. However, care must be used in steep locations because the ground, rocks, and grass are sometimes slick.
The Snaefell Mountain Railway can help you plan your journey to the summit of the mountain. The opening hours, location, cost, and surrounding area get attractions.

2. Overview:

Snaefell, which rises to a height of 2,037 feet (620.9 m) above sea level, is the highest mountain and the only peak higher than 2,000 feet (610 m) on the Isle of Man. Several communication towers, a railroad station, and a cafe are located at the summit’s peak.

On a clear day, six kingdoms—the Isle of Man, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Heaven—can be seen from the top, according to a local proverb. Some versions include the kingdom of Manannán as the eighth.

All 4 of the United Kingdom’s nations can be seen from the peak of the mountain, albeit eyesight and weather are very important factors. The Lake District in England, the northern shore of Anglesey in Wales, a significant portion of Dumfries and Galloway’s southern Scottish coast, the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland, and the Lake District in England are included in this. Points in County Louth, Republic of Ireland, are also visible.

In 1995, four cars were parked at the top of Snaefell for the celebration of the line’s 100th anniversary, and the weather was cooperative.

3. History of Shaefell Mountain:

On this day 124 years ago, the Snaefell Mine Disaster, the deadliest mining accident in Isle of Man history, took place. This is the inquest’s report, which lists the twenty miners who died from gas poisoning. John Kewley’s valiant mine captain signature.

The name “Snaefell” has a Norse origin and means “Snow Mountain.”

Sniaull is the Manx Gaelic word for Snaefell.

Abraham Cowley wrote (Discourse Using a Vision, Concerning the Government of Oliver Cromwell) on Snaefell in the 16th century. From the summit, the poet muses on the suffering the Civil War caused in the British Isles.

The Snaefell Mountain Railway, built in 1895 in just seven months, is always a favorite among rail aficionados.

4. Climbing Snaefell Mountain:

Electric trams run by the Snaefell Mountain Railway travel six kilometers (four miles) from Laxey to the peak every year, normally from April to October.

The highest portion of the Mountain Course, over which the Isle of Man TT Races is contested, is the A18 Snaefell Mountain Road, which crosses the slopes of Snaefell. A rocky trail leads to the peak from the parking lot on this road at the Bungalow train station, the final railway stop before the summit, which is frequently used by walkers.

There are areas of gravel, slate stones, grass, and rock on the trail. Although the ascent angle steepens noticeably closer to the peak, specific climbing gear is not necessary. However, care must be taken on steep slopes because the grass, dirt, and rocks are frequently slick. On a dry footpath, the average time to travel is about 45 minutes.

The tiny concrete obelisk with a geodetic marker placed in it marks the actual mountain peak. An informational plaque is perched on the nearby granite cairn.

5. Snaefell Railway:

The first mountain railway in the British Isles was the Snaefell Mountain Railway.

It was constructed by innovative Victorian engineers in just eight months, while electric traction was still in its infancy, and opened in August 1895.

This book chronicles the history of both the mountain and the Snaefell Mountain Railway. It remembers the development of the railway, starting with the early attempts to construct a steam railway to the peak and ending with the current. It describes the mountain’s rich socioeconomic history, including mining, folklore, and wildlife.

The only electric mountain train in the British Isles, this extraordinary Victorian venture is about five miles long and has been in service since 1895.

Starting in Douglas or Ramsey, you can take the Manx Electric Railway to the charming east coast village of Laxey, where you can board the Mountain Railway to ascend the island’s sole mountain, Snaefell, where you will be rewarded with breath-taking views.

The Seven Realms—England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and the kingdoms of heaven and the sea—might be visible from the summit, which rises 2,036 feet above sea level.

Tickets are available from the Brakesman on board the tram as well as from all manned stations. Please visit our website to view the available tickets.

A Go smart travel card can help frequent travelers and guests save money.

We provide unlimited bus and rail travel with Go Explore cards. There are 1, 3, 5, or 7 days that you can use these.

6. Weather of Snaefell:

One of the fastest wind speeds ever recorded in the British Isles was a gust of 150 mph (65 m/s), which was reported in 1970 by the automated weather station at the peak of Snaefell. On December 2, 1966, hurricane-force winds damaged and toppled the Civil Aviation Authority radio mast at the mountain peak, which stood 120 feet tall.

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