Isle of Man Guide - CASTLETOWN, Scarlett

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Scarlett

Open:	End of May till end of Sept 2007: Tuesday - Saturday, 2pm - 5pm Bank Holidays: 2pm - 5pm
Price:	PRICES FOR 2007 FREE
Disabled:	Limited Steps into Visitor Centre. Paths narrow with slight hills.
Location:	Castletown
Parking:	Ample, close by

History

Scarlett is an area of Carboniferous limestone with strong evidence of volcanic activity. This unique landscape is home for an abundance of wildlife and plants.

Scarlett was one of the few sites on the Island where limestone could be quarried as a viable industry. There is still much evidence of this once active industry. Limestone was used to make buildings, roads, and railways. It was even burnt to make fertiliser.

Limestone is sedimentary rock formed from the skeletons of marine creatures who lived in the Carboniferous period. The site is full of many different fossil remains. More information on this and the many other interesting locations around the site is available from the visitor centre.

Location

Near Castletown in the south of the Island.

By Vehicle:
Castletown is a main southern town, served by a multitude of roads. Just follow the road signs. Once in Castletown pass through the centre and on towards the coast. A narrow one car road leads to Scarlett.

By Bus:
Castletown can be reached by the following bus routes: 1, 1C, 2, 2A, 8 X1, X2. Traveling from Douglas, Port Erin, Port St Mary and Peel. A long walk will be required to reach the site, but there are no other public ways to get there.

By Railway:
Castletown can be reached by the taking the Electric Railway to Douglas and then the Steam Railway to Castletown.
Castletown can be reached on the Steam Railway from Douglas going to Port Erin or by taking the Port Erin (Port St Mary) train going to Douglas.
It is quite a walk from the railway station, as the station is located outside of Castletown centre, so there is a walk to the centre and then along the coast to the site.

The Site

Flooded Quarry - Stop 1

The Limekilns - Stop 2

The Dolerite Dyke - Stop 3

The Storm Beach - Stop 4

On the Rocks - Stop 5

Cromwell's Walk - Stop 6

Visiting the Scarlett

A very interesting nature site with many parts. Check out the sign outside the visitor centre for more details on the different stops around the site. Parking is available near the visitor centre, but there is still a short walk to the site. The Road of the Gull passes Scarlett, so those wanting a longer walk will be able to follow the marked path.

Events

Dates:	Sunday 11 May 2008
Description:	Manx Wildlife Trust Rock pooling at Scarlett Visitor Centre. Come and explore the rock pools of Scarlett in search of starfish, shrimps, snails,shells and anemones. Please wear suitable footwear. 10.30am-12 noon. Scarlett Visitor Centre, Castletown.
Event information supplied by the Isle of Man Department of Tourism & Leisure (01624 686766)