Geograph - photograph every grid square

The railway between Douglas and Port Erin was opened in 1874 forming one part of an extensive 3ft gauge network that also served Peel and Ramsey. The railways were not originally intended primarily as tourist attractions but to provide a general transport service for the Isle of Man. In the 1960s, faced with heavy losses, the Peel and Ramsey lines were abandoned leaving only the current 15.3 mile route. Trains nowadays operate between March and November, taking one hour for the full journey. Original locomotives and rolling stock are used although other aspects of the railway including the level crossings have been modernised. The railway is owned by the IoM government and the island’s Go Explore cards, giving access to all public transport, are valid on the trains.