Isle of Man Travel Arrangements

I made the right decision 10 days ago, when I journeyed to the Isle of Man in readiness for the CAMRA members weekend. My pre-booked Apex Super Advanced Saver ticket on Virgin Trains allowed me to travel from my home town of Tonbridge to Liverpool and back, for just £14 each way. On top of this I had booked a return crossing from Liverpool to Douglas for £37. courtesy of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

I say the right decision, because on waking on Thursday morning I received a text from my wife alerting me to the chaos that was unfolding in the wake of the Icelandic volcanic eruption, and which would soon ground all flights within UK airspace, and indeed beyond. As I had return ferry and train tickets this did not, of course, bother me, but I knew that several friends had flown over the day before and some others were supposed to be flying over the following day. Their travel plans would obviously be affected, and lots of other people were in the same boat. Whilst some were unable to make it across to the Island, many did by switching to the ferries..

Those of us who had made it to the Isle of Man had a brilliant time. The weather was fair, the island scenery was a delight to behold and the pubs, the cheap beer and the friendly locals only added to a most enjoyable stay. As for my return journey, that passed as smoothly as the outward one.

I have posted, in more detail, about the member's Weekend on my main blog but I will be writing in more detail about some of the places I visited on my recent trip. Watch this space!