Six kingdoms
The summit view.
Neil Theasby — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Lobster1 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Malost — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lobster1 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lobster1 — CC BY-SA 3.0
Snaefell is the highest mountain on the Isle of Man and its only summit above 610 m, rising to about 621 m, about 12.5 km in a straight line north of the capital, Douglas. Its Old Norse name means «snow mountain». Islanders say that from the top on a clear day you can see «six kingdoms»: the Isle of Man, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Heaven. A plaque at the summit gives the direction and distance of faraway places, including the Scottish coast 50 km away and Dublin 156 km away. A narrow-gauge electric mountain railway climbs to the summit from the town of Laxey in season, and the top has its station, a café and communication masts. You can also walk up along paths across pasture and hills of grass and heather, with views over the island's hills, valleys and reservoirs. Walking up is free; the railway is paid and seasonal. The weather at the summit changes fast and mist is common, so bring warm layers and a rain jacket, and pick a clear day for the view.
The summit view.
From Laxey.
Across the hills.
Laxey, Isle of Man
By the mountain railway from Laxey in season, or on foot.
Yes, on clear days.