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Snaefell Mine Waterwheel

History

The Snaefell Mine was located at the end of Laxey valley on a slope of the mountain. In 1865 a 50 1/2 feet diameter waterwheel was built to pump water out of the mine. When the mine closed in 1907 the waterwheel was sold and moved to Cornwall. The Laxey Mines Research Group reached an agreement with the Trevithick Trust in 2003 and the wheel was returned to the Island, where it was reassembled in the Laxey Valley Gardens. On Aug 20th 2006 the Laxey and Lonan Trust became the owners of the wheel at its "Grand Opening".

Location

On the east coast of the Island in the village of Laxey.

By Vehicle:
Located near the village of Laxey where the B11 crosses the A2 (road between Douglas and Ramsey). Park near the Electric Railway Station or in the car park across from the Laxey Valley Gardens. At the bridge over the valley, walk down the footpath to the Valley Gardens from the junction of the main Laxey to Ramsey Road and Captains Hill.

By Bus:
Reachable by bus routes no. 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C from Ramsey and Douglas. Take the stop in the town centre near the Electric Railway Station, then walk along the Electric Railway lines in the direction of the wheel. At the bridge over the valley, walk down the footpath on the right to the Valley Gardens from the junction of the main Laxey to Ramsey Road and Captains Hill.

By Railway:
Take the Steam Railway to Douglas. The Electric Railway to Laxey Station. Walk along the Electric Railway Lines in the direction of the wheel. At the bridge over the valley, walk down the footpath on the right to the Valley Gardens from the junction of the main Laxey to Ramsey Road and Captains Hill.

Visiting the Mines Railway

Visitors can see the wheel up close from the base of the valley gardens. There are some good views of the wheel from above the gardens at the roadside.