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WALK 5

Kirk Michael and Slieau Freoaghane

Start/Finish	Kirk Michael (SC 319 909)
Distance	14.5km (9 miles)
Height gain	533m (1750ft)
Refreshments	Kirk Michael
Parking	Kirk Michael

Slieau Freoaghane – which Manx Gaelic speakers advise me is pronounced ‘Sloo Ferrane’ – is one of five Marilyns on the island, and likely to be popular on that count alone. But it is a fine hill to climb regardless of this dubious distinction, though the shortest, most direct route – and least interesting – is from the cross-mountain road near Sartfell Plantation.

This route partially reverses Walk 3, as far as Ballaugh, but then makes use of the old railway trackbed to return to Kirk Michael. It is a splendid walk, best reserved for a clear day, when the views over the western side of the island and across the Irish Sea to the mountains of Northern Ireland and northwards to southern Scotland are outstanding. There are times when the Mountains of Mourne seem so close you feel you could simply reach out and touch them.

The key to the start of this walk is the lane opposite the turning into Glen Ballyre. Turn into this, a narrow lane that soon begins climbing, eventually deteriorating into a rough track striking up onto open moorland. High up on the hillside, to the north of Slieau Freoaghane, the track meets a huge cairn, Cairn Vael. The cairn is largely the product of passing miners in years gone by, who would add another rock every time they walked by as a kind of talisman.

Just past the cairn the return track to Ballaugh departs left, and anyone wanting to omit Slieau Freoaghane should turn off here. Otherwise, bear right and continue along the stony track, ignoring a branching green track on the left. Gradually the track levels and then descends a little as it runs on to a point below Slieau Freoaghane.

Slieau Freoghane and Slieu Curn from the mountain road

Now simply turn right and climb steeply to the top of Slieau Freoaghane on a clear, if boggy, path. The top is adorned by a trig pillar and quartz cairn.