Marine Drive

Marine Drive was originally part of the Southern Electric Railway which opened in 1896 but was closed during the wars and although re-opened 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.

Marine Drive although closed to traffic is open to walkers and cyclists and forms part of the Raad ny Foillan, ‘The Way of the Gull’, long-distance path.

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 drive to the road closure gates and then park your car and walk along.

Marine Drive has some great views over the Little Ness Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) and is a place to spot some of the important species including whales and dolphins. Minke whales are most common in September and October, Risso’s dolphins in the summer and bottlenose dolphins in the winter. Basking sharks occasionally but you stand a better chance to spot them over on the west coast like at Niarbyl Bay.

The more energetic can walk the whole route, approximately 8km, and possibly catch the steam train back.