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Port Erin Panarama

Ferry from Liverpool: £15 each way for foot passengers - cycles go free.

I am not sure how much cars / motorcycles are but you can find out here :-

http://www.steam-packet.com

Cycling: Its hilly in the South but the parts of the North are quite flat. I only noticed all those contour lines on my map after the first half hours cycling. Be prepared to put in some big uphill efforts and also for some ridiculous downhill speeds - good fun! Car drivers tend to drive a bit quick. Motorcycles are widely accepted exceeding most speed limits. Watch out.

Lazy days: You can buy a £10 ticket that gets you 8 hours of travel on any combination of the following; Steam Train, Electric Tram, Horse Drawn Tram, Bus. Its well worth it as you could tour most of the island using public transport if you wanted to. There are great views (and no driving stress) from the train or even the top deck of a double decker bus. Timings are good and connections work. You will find castles, cliff walks and tranquil glens as well as picturesque bays with tea rooms and cafes as well as traditional pubs...

Car hire: From about £35 per day.

Accom: I hired a 6 bed cottage for £280 for the week. You can also get B & B for about £25 a night. Quite a few people do 'homestay' during the TT weeks and extend this into the summer season. People are generally helpful and friendly.

Prices: Food / shops are a touch more expensive. Its worth having a hunt round as you might be able to find a 'Shoprite' supermarket in some of the larger towns. Avoid Spar if you can.

Conclusion
I enjoyed this trip greatly. I will be going back perhaps to cycle the entire TT course solo or to complete the 95 miles island peripheral. Theres some great scenery, friendly pubs and a few nice beaches with clean sea. A good selection of accom from camping to 4 star hotel. If you get the weather (the island does seem to have a good record) you cant beat it for a get away from it all, quiet break.

I can highly recommend the Isle of Man, particularly if you have never been.

G Bentley. June, 2005.