He suggested a short drive up to the Point of Ayre to walk along the foreshore. The area along the shore is a protected nesting site for Arctic Terns so we took the binoculars and our walking boots.
The Ayres is the northernmost point of the island and feels quite remote, even though it is only around 8 or 9 miles from town. From the sandy parking area you can look across to the coast of Scotland and see the sun glinting off the glass of lighthouses or buildings.
The Terns' nesting area is roped off to prevent people walking there, and any dogs must be kept on a lead. There were a few other people there, just walking or sitting on the unprotected area of shingle, enjoying the sun.
We walked to the lighthouse and followed the path further along the shore, before retracing our steps to the parking area then along in the opposite direction.
We passed by the rusted remains of WW2 sea defences and stopped for 10 minutes or so to watch a small group of seals that were swimming and diving only a few yards from the shore. We got a great view of them through the binoculars but they were too far away for my phone's camera.
Back home for yet another ice cream.
After supper the temperature was much more comfortable so we walked the 20 minutes to the hotel by the park for a glass of pink bubbles. Just like being on holiday.
You've found the perfect area to live , now you just have to find the perfect house
ReplyDeleteIt's just taking so long!
DeleteBeautiful ….. look at that clear blue sky ! Isn’t the weather lovely ? Pink bubbles were the perfect end to the day. I have really neglected you JayCee …. So sorry ….. it’s just a bit difficult when it comes to typing ! Will try and do better ! XXXX
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to see you here Jackie. Sorry that your poor arm is not yet healed. Take it easy XXX
DeleteMy Great nephew and his wife has recently moved from the mainland to the Isle of Wight and they say (although both still work) it is just like being permanently on holiday
ReplyDeleteEspecially with this lovely summer weather.
DeletePoint of Ayre - apt - it points at Ayr, well, almost.
ReplyDeleteIt is sort of pointing that way, although its name comes from the Norse word Eyrr, meaning gravel bank.
DeleteLighthouses always add at atmosphere to place - love the red stripes
ReplyDeleteI like to look at lighthouses, they are always impressive sights.
DeleteOh to sit in a beer garden and drink some English bitter or bitter shandy. Super photos.
ReplyDeleteI shall raise a glass, or two, to you next time Mr Northsider.
DeleteWe really miss walking but both of us are now unable to do much. Looks like you have some beautiful scenery where you live.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
We have done quite a lot of walking since we moved here. But that was the point of selling up really. Easy walks with lots of convenient footpaths!
DeleteIoM may not be a huge island but it does have diverse and beautiful scenery. Good you are making the most of the lovely weather.
ReplyDeleteWe are makung the most of it while it lasts!
DeleteMary summed it up - you don't have to travel far to get a complete change of walking environment on your island. That purple heather and the heath land is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe clumps of Heather along the shore were really colourful. There were lots of wildflowers growing all around too.
DeleteThat is a lovely place to hike! and topping off with an ice cream sounds perfect! Good luck today!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen x
DeleteThat looks a great place for a sunny day - guaranteed to catch a breeze. I had not heard of Ayres, so went to look it up - and have spent about 4 hours immersed deep in my husband's family history (family lived in Jurby and Andreas, then his g. grandfather emigrated to England). I "may" just have solved the mystery of the 4 brothers and a local place name which is associated with our family and has come down in oral history. Excited! and thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am pleased that I have been of some help. Good luck with your mystery!
DeleteI always enjoy seeing new parts of places.
ReplyDeleteGlad to help!
Delete