Niarbyl

The following paddles have been described in and around the Isle of Man. These descriptions are a brief guide only, and should not be used alone for trip planning purposes.

Peel

Manx Paddle Sports have incorporated their web site here. They are a local paddling club whose aim is to promote kayaking on the Isle of Man, especially in schools.

Manx Paddle Sports information page.

Buy Palm, Dagger and Ainsworth kayaking gear through Mobex. Mobex are a Manx children's charity specializing in outdoor activities for kids. All profits are ploughed straight back into Mobex.

myKAYAK is the Facebook group where you'll find many of the kayakers involved with KAYAK.im .If you are looking for a paddling partner on the Isle of Man, Paddle Buddy is a way of linking with local Manx sea kayakers, surf kayakers and river paddlers.

Detailed wind, temperature, precipitation, visibility and tide reports for the Isle of Man all in one handy place.

The Guide pages provide brief descriptions of Manx paddles and are aimed at those planning paddling holidays to the Isle of Man.

Niarbyl is located on the west coast of the Isle of Man near Dalby. It is of significance because of the cafe, its car park and ease sea kayaking Isle of Man of access to the sea. Niarbyl is also of geological interest. It marks the boundary between rocks from two separate continents; namely North America and Africa.

Right: Cottage at Niarbyl from the film "Waking Ned"

For the sea kayaker there is easy access to the stony beach from the car park. Niarbyl is exposed to the prevailing westerly wind and is best avoided accept in calm weather. To the seaward side is a 300 metre long exposed rock formation projecting into the Irish Sea. Once launched from Niarbyl and heading left (south, south west) along the coast the kayaker passes a lovely sandy beech which is a favourite for walkers and picnickers. The stunning views south to the Calf of Man in the distance are breathtaking. Sand gives way to boulder beaches and eventually steep cliffs with some rock hazards at the base. From here onwards there are no reliable escape points until Fleshwick Beach is reached. Fleshwick is a very steep shingle beach. This means that waves break very close to the sea margin and beyond these breakers it may well be too deep to stand on the sea bed. This can make launching sea kayaking Isle of Man and landing difficult in rough weather. However the steep cliffs and very large, colourful stunning caves make this a rewarding paddle. (Total distance 3.1 Nm, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes paddle)

Left:Kayaker leaving Niarbyl. Background Cliffs towards Fleshwick.

Fleshwick Bay N 54° 06.3' W 4° 44.8'

Paddling right (north, north east) it is sometimes possible to pass through a channel at the base of the long rocky promontory. However, at low tide it is necessary to paddle around niarbyl rock formation or to launch on the more rocky part of the beach to the right. Continuing up the coast there are initially a multitude of little rocky inlets which contain deep water. The coast line is interesting to weave in and out of. Further north the more usual grassy cliffs with boulder beaches take over. These can offer some escape opportunities, although there is no easy road access to them. After 1.75 Nm (or approximately 45 minutes paddle) the kayaker reaches Glen Maye Beach. Beware that all these beaches are guarded by sharp rocks and large rounded boulders, and great care is required on landing. The reward at Glen Maye is the Waterfall Hotel 15 minutes walk up the path and road into Glen Maye Village and through the stunning Glen.

Glen Maye N 54° 10.9' W 4° 42.5'

sea kayaking Isle of Man

Above: Car park in front of Ned's Cottage. In the top left hand corner the 300m rocky promontory is partially covered by the high tide.

Warning: Kayaking can be dangerous. Non of the information provided here should be used to plan paddles by inexperienced kayakers, and without expert help and appropriate equipment. In no way should any person assume that any information contained on this site is a recommendation of the safety of the location, facility or professionalism of the instructing personnel. Indeed, some of the locations described can be dangerous.

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