"The Island is letting itself down"

Tourist doesn't believe the Raad ny Foillan is being looked after well enough

The Isle of Man is 'letting itself down' over the condition of one of its most iconic footpaths.

That's according to a visitor who came to the Island especially to walk the Raad ny Foillan.

Bob Jones is from Suffolk.

He spent a week walking the entire route, and says it's badly maintained, poorly signposted, and isn't a very good advert for the Island in its current state:

The maintenance of the Raad ny Foillan is the responsibility of the Department of Infrastructure.

While it recognises the importance of the footpath, it admits that, despite a five-year funding plan, there are revenue and resource shortfalls which impact its ability to manage and maintain the route.

In a statement, it says:

"The Department of Infrastructure recognises how valued the Raad ny Foillan is to residents and visitors alike, offering a unique way to experience the Island’s exceptional coastal landscape. 

"As a long-distance route spanning about 100 miles, the path is naturally subject to the impacts of weather, coastal erosion and seasonal wear.

"The Department is actively working to prioritise maintenance across the network, focusing on areas where improvements will have the greatest benefit for safety and accessibility. 

"This is supported by a clear long-term commitment, with £700,000 in capital funding allocated over the next five years (2026–2031) to help maintain and enhance the route. 

"However, there remain revenue and resource shortfalls which impact the ability of the Department to manage and maintain the route. 

"An ongoing programme includes recent assessments that have identified key sections where work is either planned or already underway.

"It is also important to recognise that certain parts of the route are intentionally more challenging, which forms part of the overall experience. 

"For example, guidance provided to visitors for the Jurby beach section clearly identifies this stretch as more demanding, as it follows the beach where conditions can make walking more difficult. 

"This ensures users are informed in advance and can plan accordingly, bearing in mind their own abilities.

"The dynamic nature of the Island’s coastline is part of what makes the Raad ny Foillan so distinctive. 

"While natural changes can occasionally affect path conditions, they also help shape the scenery that attracts walkers year after year.

"The DoI encourages users to plan ahead, follow any advisory signage, and report specific concerns so they can be addressed as part of our ongoing work here.

"The Department remains committed to ensuring the Raad ny Foillan continues to be a flagship outdoor asset for the Isle of Man and a safe, enjoyable experience for all who use it."

Bob also says he really struggled to find suitable accommodation around the Island.

While he says he could find lots of options, very few would let him stay there for just one night, with most having a two or three night minimum requirement.

He also claims those that did offer single night stays were incredibly expensive, with one option in particular quoting him £200 a night.

It meant that, at 80 years old, he walked the whole route with his camping gear so he could camp instead.

Bob says that also came with its challenges, as one night he even had to set up his tent in a kind stranger's garden:

The route is almost 100 miles long, and is described online by Visit Isle of Man as our 'premier long distance footpath', 'with some of the best coastal walking in the British Isles'.

It also says on its website that there are 'plenty of accommodation providers' available for walkers making their way around the Island.

Manx Radio has also asked Visit Isle of Man to respond to Bob's comments.

While Bob admits he'd never do the Raad ny Foillan again, he says it's not put him off the Isle of Man altogether, and that he'd love to come back to take on some of the Island's easier walks.