Manx National 2019 - advice needed

[mike220]

Morning all. Contemplating popping over to watch the Manx in a few weeks getting a ferry from Liverpool as a foot passenger (as taking even a motorbike to get round the island is hideously expensive thanks to Steam Racket). So the question is, if I go as a foot passenger is there much to watch from Douglas? Or other walkable locations from the harbour? Alternatively what's the score with road closures and public transport over the Friday and Saturday, is it possible to get around the island easily enough?

Thinking of going over Friday lunchtime and coming back Saturday afternoon. As I can't seem to find any stage maps online to check the routes, I'd love some input from those who've been before or may know this years maps.

Cheers

[Drumroll]

Might take a bit of planning but I would have thought doable. you never know you might meet up with somebody who has transport.

This gives you the stage times and the itinerary: http://manxautosport.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/0...

[mike220]

Thanks Drumroll, much appreciated. Not sure why I couldn't find that.

I'm happy to stay in/around Douglas as i'll want to spend a bit of time around the service area etc, as long as there's enough to see in terms of stage action nearby (i know this won't be the best roads but it may be the compromise I have to make in order for the trip to work)

[DelicaL400]

I've had a quick look at the stage maps, there are no stages near Douglas on Friday. I suggest trying to get to Brandywell cottage where you'll see SS 1/4/5/8.

On Saturday the Keristal stage is around three miles from Douglas or there's the hairpin near the start of St Marks. A shame they don't use Marine Drive anymore, that stage starts up the hill from Douglas. Personally I'd prefer the Round Table stage - the square right around 2 miles in is good for viewing, nice and open.

On road closures the main road around the island (i.e. the TT course) isn't closed at all for the rally so you'll be able to get around easy enough by bus.

[generationx]

Is renting a car out of the question? That’s what I did last time I went to the International and it opens up the whole event. Nothing is very far away, I think we managed 6 stages in one day. There’s rental places in Douglas.

[mike220]

Thanks all, it was the road closures that I couldn't get my head around without decent maps. Looks like public transport should be fine for getting around, but after checking the maps I can walk and see the end of The Baldwins and the start of Keristal so that's a fall back plan if nothing else.

Time to book a boat ticket and find somewhere to stay for the night.............Cheers everyone

[mmm-five]

Take a bicycle with you...or rent an electric one!

[DelicaL400]

mike220 said:

, but after checking the maps I can walk and see the end of The Baldwins and the start of Keristal so that's a fall back plan if nothing else.

Just be aware that you'll not be allowed to walk in through the stage start or finish once the road has closed. If you're wanting to see the cars on stage it will be better to access somewhere with a road leading to a corner where you can watch without walking on the closed road. It's a lovely walk along Marine Drive if you're going to Keristal.

I've not been for a few years, great memories of seeing Colin McRae in his Escort flat out everywhere.