Sea to Summit
Sea to Summit
From sea to summit - a journey through time
Extending eight miles up through a beautiful landscape, our Laxey Valley Heritage trail offers a diverse range of places and activities for all the family to explore.
Start at the historic harbour which, was once the biggest exporter of lead and zinc in the British Isles. Looking up you can see the Summit of Snaefell at 620 metres - about the same depth as the lowest point in the Great Laxey Mines.
Enjoy a leisurely coffee from one of the cafes or for the more active families bring your bucket and spade and make new friends over an ice cream.
Along the river
Walking along the side of the river to the village itself you pass a the woollen mill with its working hand loom; upstairs is an art gallery and our small exhibition room where you can learn more about the people from our story.
Nearby is the old Washing Floors, where the ore was sorted for export. The smaller wheel called the Lady Evelyn came from the Snaefell Mines. Stop for refreshments in one of the many excellent cafes or pubs in the village.
on to the welcome centre
It is here, in the heart of the village that you will find our Welcome Centre - situated in Christ Church right beside the station platform. Come in and see our films about the mines and the people. Entrance is free and we ask only for a donation as we are a not for profit charity. Pick up one of our leaflets or specially drawn maps that will inform you about where to eat and drink and the top 10 things to do.
Alight the unique Snaefell Mountain Railway and journey up on beautifully restored carriages. Along the way the trams commentary will point out sites such as the worlds largest working water wheel - The Lady Isabella, the village of Agneash with its uniquely preserved Chapel offering free water refill and refreshments by donation and the Snaefell Mines where 19 men lost their lives in 1897.
and up to the summit
At the Summit there are spectacular views over all the Island and a café to shelter if the weather should be inclement.