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Welcome To The New Letterboxing Section

Each 'Letterbox' contains its own unique 'Handstamp', the artwork on the stamp bears relation to the location of the box and in some cases the history of that area, or the signicant event that lead to the box being placed there. There are currently Two formats of Letterboxes out, these are:

 

Trail Letterboxes

 I describe these as 'Trail Letterboxes' because this format was used for the original 'Letterbox Trail', these are the larger type of box, their location found by slightly more challenging clues, difficulties varying from box to box. 

These letterboxes are housed in roughly a shoebox sized, metallic container with attached lid. They are in a variety of locations ranging from hills, moorland and plantations to glens and shores. 

Each box contains: A 'Handstamp' and 'Visitors Book'. (Some boxes may contain a pen or pencil, if you are lucky enough to thrive from a previous visitor's generosity with their own writing implement!!!) You will require your own inkpad.

 

Ten Peaks Letterboxes

 This type of box is as the name suggests, from the 'Manx Ten Peaks' event. Each box designed as purely a means of navigational confirmation, they can each be found fairly stealthily with the clue giving a direct bearing for a set number of paces from the significant feature at the top of each peak such as a Trig Point, Cairn or Post. So long as performed carefully these directions will you lead to the exact point of the letterbox.

 

These Letterboxes are housed in a small beaker sized, plastic container with lid. There are 25 of these Ten Peaks letterboxes, located only on the peaks of the ' Central Northern Hills', due the focal point of the 'Ten Peaks' event being Snaefell, the box furthest South being above Injebreck.

Each box contains just: A 'Handstamp'. You will require your own inkpad. 

 

About the Online Database

 Below you will see a list of all the letterboxes, an example of the handstamp is depicted, along with a brief description of the box and its area. If you click on each box you may view when it was last logged as being visited. This area is being updated daily, so please check back soon to view more details and features!!

                 
 

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Albert Tower

Standing 40 feet high, the Albert Tower was built to commemorate the unexpected visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to the Island in 1847. The Royal Yacht anchored in Ramsey Bay but only Albert came ashore, where he asked to be taken to the top of the Lhergy Frissell hills to get a good view of the town.

The Governor, who resided in Castletown (then capital of Mann) rushed north to pay his respects, but he was too late as Albert had returned to the Yacht. The Bishop, however, was received on board by the Queen.
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Ard Whallin

Ard Whallin outdoor pursuits centre is one of the best locations on the Island for youth groups (and adults wanting to rediscover their youth!) The centre has its own assault course and visitors can make arrangements to go kayaking too. There is ample accommodation inside the house which has its own kitchen and social area.
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Battle of Sky Hill

The Millenium Way from Ramsey to Castletown is way marked from the Lezayre Road, just over a mile from Parliament Square in Ramsey. The track ascends Sky Hill or Skorgarfjall, meaning the wooded hill.

A plaque, just a short distance up the left hand side of the track, commemorates the Battle of Sky Hill fought in 1079 (OS grid reference 433 942).
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Beinn-y-Phott Mine

The old mine workings are still in evidence a short way up the valley from the Packhorse Bridge. When the mine shaft was sunk, it was hoped to extract good quality metal ores such as lead, zinc, silver and copper from what was thought to be part of the Laxey stream. The Beinn-y-Phott mine was however unproductive and closed in 1867.
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Black Hut

A well-known landmark on the famous TT motorcycle mountain course. The old roadside store hut was originally black but is now a stone building used as a control point for the races.
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Black Pool

Black Pool, but no sign of the tower!!!! This ghostly pool sits at the head of Glen Auldyn, a rather seemingly mystical valley heading up in the direction of Mountain Box. This gathering of water, most probably gets its intriguing name by the darkness of the water, now sadly somewhat filled in by general erosion on the cliff face surrounding it, but at one time the depth and blackness of the water gave an illusion of this pool being bottomless.
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Block Eary Shielings

The shielings, or hut circles, are situated above the steep valley of Block Eary. Some are no more than mounds of earth, the remains of ancient Manx shepherds summer houses.
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Bradda Head

Climbing to the top of Bradda Head is always a rewarding experience. The sheltered bay of Port Erin, popular in the summer months, is easily visible along with the Calf of Man and Castletown. Directly across the bay on the opposite cliffs is a house once owned by racing driver Nigel Mansell.

The monument at Bradda Head, Milners Tower, was built in 1871 in memory of William Milner who donated large amounts of money to Port Erin. Milner was a safe manufacturer in Liverpool, and it is a little-known fact that the tower was built in the shape of a key to reflect this.
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C2C Team

A letterbox placed after a Chief Scouts Challenge team undertook their challenge, this box is carefully hidden around the lower slopes of Snaefell, beneath the verandah near to Snaefell mines.
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Carraghan - Tumuli

These archeological remains are to be found on the lower slopes of Carraghan and above the Injebreck Resevoir in the West Baldwin valley.

Although shown on some maps as Shielings, or hut circles, the earthworks are thought to be Tumuli, or burial mounds, most probably of Viking origin and dating from the 10th Century.
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Carys Memorial Box

A lasting memory to a faithful friend, this box sits at the summit of Bradda Hill.
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Centenary of Scouting

(Location is currently being finalised)

This box is to be placed out to celebrate 100 years of Scouting, 1907-2007. Scouting began back in 1907, with a simple idea set out by Lord Robert Baden-Powell in the form of a book called Scouting for Boys. This idea was for young boys to form together in patrols and learn skills such as navigation, backwoods cooking, tracking and pioneering. These ideals were based on good citizenship and taught a young person how to be an essential member of the community and help others. The book captured the imagination of youngsters throughout Britain and not long afterwards, the rest of the world too. This was the birth of Scouting as soon Baden-Powell received many applications from young Scouts wishing to register their newly formed troop. This idea has carried on and Scouting is still very true to its traditional values, but inspiring in a modern world. Scouting has movements in 216 countries and world-wide a population of 28 million.
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Chief Scouts Visit Box

This box was installed on Snaefell by the Chief Scout on 4th July 1998 whilst visiting the Island.
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Cleigh Yn Arragh

The Cross Dyke earthworks at Cleigh yn Arragh forms part of an ancient defensive rampart and ditch controlling the hill-route between two streams. It is probably iron age and from the first Millenium AD. There is a plaque on a stone pillar (at OS grid reference 383 885) standing by the earthworks near the road to Tholt-y-Will.
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Craft Centre

A beautiful, heavily wooded area at the head of Sulby Glen on the lower slopes of Snaefell; often called the Manx Switzerland.

The Manx Electric Railway once operated popular tours from Douglas to Laxey, then to the summit. After descending by tram to the Bungalow Station, passengers were taken to Tholt-y-Will Glen by motor coach. The party were then driven through the charming Vale of Sulby to Sulby Glen Station, thence by Manx Northern Railway steam train to Ramsey, alas a line no longer in operation.

A special electric tram would be waiting at Ramsey for the return journey to Douglas along the scenic coastal route.

Tholt-y-Will is home to the Celtic Craft Centre. Their letterbox may be found near the watefall up the glen.
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Cronk Keeill Abban

Cronk Keeill Abban is one of three ancient mound sites found on the Island where Tynwald Parliament was held. An open-air ceremony of the Islands freemen gathered here to proclaim all the new laws.

The present Tynwald Hill is at St. Johns where the ancient ceremony of proclamation is still enacted on each Tynwald Day - 5th July.
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Doarlish Cashen

Once home of the Irving family, this rural farmhouse became something of a popular tourist destination in the 1930s after several appearances of a talking mongoose!! This bizarre creature even attracted the attentions of Harry Price, but curiously Gef was only ever witnessed by the family members, in particular 13 year old Voirrey Irving. Sadly the farmstead at Doarlish Cashen, which was home to the family who befriended ‘Gef’, no longer stands. The site of the house can be found by following a footpath that leads from Eary Cushlin towards Glen Maye, but little evidence remains today except for the well (complete with fresh water) and the gooseberry bushes which continue to grow.
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Douglas Explorers

This letterbox is situated up on the slopes of the Baldwin valley, near to Creg-y-Cowin. A short walk from where the road ends in East Baldwin, heading up on the footpath towards Windy Corner will bring you to the location of this letterbox. This spot was chosen specially by members of Douglas Explorers as the area of Baldwin has historically been a regular camping ground for Douglas Scout Groups.
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Eary Cushlin

Eary Cushlin is perhaps the Islands most remote house, once home to an eccentric man named Colby Cubbin, who bought the house in 1940 to escape German bombing during World War II. Only two bombs fell on the Isle of Man, Ironically one being dropped near the house by a German plane returning from Northern Ireland. The pilot mistook the area for the Lancashire coastline! Now the house is available as accommodation to stay in, via the Department of Education. This fantastic spot, though isolated and exposed, boasts wonderful views out to sea and is surrounded by many exciting walks. Nearby to the south, a gruelling coastal path perched on the slopes brings you down to the even more isolated location of an ancient hermitage and the famous 100 mile coastal footpath Raad Ny Foillan passes nearby here as well. Heading in the opposite direction to the north will lead up onto Dalby mountain or down into the now extinct mining community of Glen Rushen.
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Fleshwick Bay

A rather picturesque and out of the way place to visit, due to the long single track road meandering through the valley from Bradda direction, the secrecy of this cove certainly conjours up images of pirates and smugglers from times gone by. But in reality this location is a common place to spot seals and sometimes if lucky enough, a rare glimpse of a basking shark has been sighted here! The coastal footpath sharply descends and ascends on either side of the valley, certainly a good healthy pair of legs are required when heading off walking in either direction towards Cronk Ny Arrey Laa or Bradda Hill.
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Foxdale Mines

This letterbox commemorates the former mine workings at Foxdale, situated close to the former Glen Rushen mines on the moors overlooking St Johns and the hamlet of Gleneedle. The box is within easy walking distance of South Barrule and can be accessed from the summit by descending the northern ridge.
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Hill of the Day Watch

Cronk Ny Arrey Laa translates as "Hill of the Day Watch," and is quite an interesting living language reference to the Watch and Ward system particularly active on the Isle of Man in the 15th and 16th Centuries, during the rule of the Stanley Family. A series of watch stations were set up along the coastline to warn of coming invaders from the sea - Cronk Ny Arrey Laa understandably being a prominent place for this duty as it rises 437 metres above sea level. The hill offers a commanding view of the south west coastline and the peak is marked by a significant cairn which is best reached from the Sloc road. On a clear day tremendous views can be had both inland and out to sea.
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Hoppers Crag

This letterbox may be found above the disused Snaefell Mine. It has been sponsored by a visiting Scout Troop from Hatfield Peverel in Essex, whose members have been active in letterboxing on Dartmoor.
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King Williams College

This box is located near the summit of South Barrule, overlooking King Williams College, which is easily recognisable by the prominent clock tower that stands tall on the horizon. The college was founded in 1833 and is the Islands only Public school.
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KWC, CCF Cronk Ny Arrey Laa

King Williams College is home to the Islands only Combined Cadet Force, many close links have been formed between the KWC-CCF and Manx Scouting.
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Leprechauns Box

Situated near the summit of Slieu Lhost, this box was installed by members of the 1998 Leprechauns Chief Scout Challenge Team. The team comprised 1st Ramsey and 2nd Onchan Scouts.
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Leslie Vondy Memorial Box

This letterbox is hidden on the slopes of North Barrule.
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Manx Airlines

Manx Airlines is pleased to have its own letterbox in the South overloking Ronaldsway Airport. The stamp contains all the airport abbreviations of Manx Airlines past destinations.
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MER, Lhergy Frissell

This letterbox was established to celebrate the centenary of the Manx Electric Railway. It is concealed in the Lhergy Frissell plantation overlooking Ramsey and can be accessed either from Ramsey Hairpin or Waterworks corner.
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Millenium Way

The Millenium Way from Ramsey to Castletown is way marked from the Lezayre Road, Just over a mile from Parliament Square in Ramsey. The track ascends Sky Hill or Skorgafjall, meaning the Wooded Hill.
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North Barrule

Hidden on the slopes of North Barrule, this boxes location offers superb views of Ramsey, home of 1st Ramsey Scout Group.
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Red Rose

A commemorative letterbox on the slopes of Beinn-y-Phott.
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Reservoir Box

A box placed out by two keen and adventurous Scouters, one of their favoured activities being Kayaking. The boxes location understandably looks down on Sulby Reservoir from high up on Snaefell summit.
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Roaming Romans

A Chief Scouts Challenge team who undertook their challenge, this box can be found near the summit of Snaefell.
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Sheepfold

A fine example of a circular sheepfold can be found on the lower slopes of Snaefell, just below the road from The Bugalow to Tholt-y-Will. It is best viewed from the slopes of Beinn-y-Phott, from the opposite bank of the infant Sulby River. The letterbox is however located on the lower slopes of the sheepfold side of the valley.
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Sir Norman Wisdom Box

This letterbox can be found on North Barrule overlooking the northern plain of the Island and in particular "Ballalaugh," home of Sir Norman for many years.
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Slieau Dhoo

Slieau Dhoo or Black Hill is a fitting name for this peak as it casts dark shadows on the valley of Glen Dhoo below. There is no easy way to reach the summit of Slieau Dhoo as itforms the central backbone of a spine of hills high above Kirk Michael and Druidale. To those who choose to make the trek to its top, the rewards are plenty on a clear day as fabulous views can be enjoyed of most of the Islands northern hill ranges as well as coastal views out to Ireland and even Scotland, not to mention an unusual angle on which to view the Sulby reservoir.
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Slieu Whallian Witches Box

Also known as Aleyns Mountain, Slieau Whallian is a steep and heavily wooded hill at St Johns and near Tynwald Hill. Witches were once put in spiked barrels and rolled down the slopes of Slieau Whallian to what was usually, a very horrific end. If they happened to survive the ordeal, they were said to have had special powers and were then burned at the stake!

Hidden at the top of Slieau Whallian Plantation, a good uphill climb is required to reach this box. Having reached the letterbox, a short continuation onwards following the path out of the plantation will offer you fantastic views over the west coast.
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Sloc Shielings

The Sloc is one of the steepest climbs on the Island and is a popular route for car hill-climbs. The surrounding area is known as "Heather Hills" because of its distinctive purple colour in summer. Remains of hut circles or "Shielings" can be found close by.
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Snaefell Girt

A deep scar on the north slope of Snaefell - "The Snow Mountain". This scar can easily be seen from Block Eary. Cross the river from the confluence and proceed up the side of Snaefell until the lower end of the girt is reached.
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Snaefell Mountain Railway

The double track almost 5 miles long from Laxey to Snaefell summit was opened in 1895 and has a general gradient of 1 in 12. A third rail on the inside track was laid in 1995 - centenary year - to enable the steam engine Caledonia to ascend. All the original six tramcars still operate.

The only halt is at The Bungalow where the tracks cross the TT course near the former motorcycle museum. The original summit hotel was a wooden structure, replaced in 1906 by a grand castellated building. This was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1982 but was re-built, and opened for business in 1984.
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Snaefell Peat Cutters

Until relatively recently, peat was cut from the slopes of Snaefell and surrounding hills. It was dried and used for fuel in the old Manx cottages and tholtans. Evidence of peat cutting can still be seen in several locations.
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Snaefell Summit, 2036 Feet

Snaefell is the only mountain, at 2036 feet, on the Isle of Man. Six kingdoms can be viewed from the top - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Mann and Heaven. There is an Ordnance Survey triangulation point on the summit and nearby there is an engraved plate on a stone pillar showing the relative positions of the munications huts and masts dominating the landscape around the summit area.
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South Barrule Ancient Hill Fort

Crosh Vushta means the mustering cross, an ancient practice believed to be introduced by the Vikings as a method of summoning men to take their turn on watch.
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Sulby River - Miners Pack Horse Bridge

An old stone-arched bridge across the Sulby River near its source. It was built and used by the Beinn-y-Phott miners in the mid-nineteenth century. It now carries the Millennium Way over the river.
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The Old Lead Mine

This letterbox is situated at the head of Glen Auldyn, close to Poyll Dhoo (the Black Pool.) Evidence of the lead mine is still plain to see, as heaps of slate dominate the sides of this impressive valley.
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Watershed Cairn

This well-built cairn is located on the Millenium Way below Slieau Managh on a col with a good view of Snaefell summit. Constructed of Manx stone, the cairn was presented in 1985 by K.L. Baty and J.K. Baxendale in appreciation of the establishment of this long distance path.
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Watertrough Cottage

Watertrough Cottage in South Barrule plantation is a cosy bunkhouse managed by 2nd Onchan Scout Group. Easily visible from the Round Table road, the bunkhouse provides both cooking and sleeping facilities but nas no electricity.
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Wyre CSC Team Box

Box installed on Slieau Ouyr by the Wyre CSC Team from West Lancashire.


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Yn Crossags - The Monks Crossing

This letterbox is very well hidden in woodland overlooking the Crossags Campsite in Ramsey. It is most easily reached from Ramsey Hairpin and, along with the letterboxes at Albert Tower and Lhergy Frissell, forms a challenging but very rewarding walk.
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© Douglas Explorers, 2005 - 2008