Show on map
Three Legs of Man
Inner Harbour, Peel
An easy crossing of the Irish Sea took us to the Isle of Man at its only west coast harbour – Peel. At high water, and with the footbridge at the mouth of the inner harbour open due to repairs, we were able to go straight in and take a pontoon berth. The inner harbour is prevented from drying out by a flapgate, which is raised as the tide falls and lowered as it rises, allowing entry during a four hour window round the time of high water. At low water it is possible to walk seaward from the flapgate for 100 metres without getting wet feet! Peel is a very attractive small town, the town centre just above the harbour having narrow streets and lanes, with tightly packed old houses painted in many colours. The three-legged Manx symbol is everywhere – on buildings, street furniture, signs and flags – all adding to the feeling of being somewhere different. A visit by bus to Douglas confirmed its city atmosphere and crowds, and a much less attractive or relaxing harbour, so we have decided to remain at Peel for the duration of our visit to IOM.