| Steve Wright |
Ballaglass in May is like being wrapped in a big blanket of seasonal spring.
The towering beech trees have fresh leaves, the ground is carpeted with thousands of Bluebells and the birds are busy in song.
In fact the birds seem to be louder than anywhere else, possibly so they can be heard above the tumbling river.
I always feel refreshed and revitalised after a walk in this glen and I recommend you see it during its full glory from late April to early May.
I enjoy taking a circular anti-clockwise walk around the glen which takes less than thirty minutes.
From the car-park, head up the right hand path at the top of the glen. As you walk between the Bluebells you may hear the songs of Robins and Mistle Thrush.
A walk through history
Walk until you reach an old stone building and head down to the 'off-white' old mining office. Many of our glens have had a history of some mining (for example Glen Maye and Dhoon).
Head left and join the path beside the Cornae River and walk with it down the glen.
Once beside the river, look out for circular pools worn in the flat bedrock of the river.
These circular holes are created by small stones which have fallen into the pools, the stones swirl inside over many years, scouring out the circular shapes you see today; forming large stone bowls.
A feast for the senses
Can you smell the wild garlic? Grey Wagtails are often seen bobbing beside the river, they are much more colourful than their name suggests, and I have always thought they would be Yellow Wagtails if that name wasn't already taken!
You should soon see a small bench, take a seat and gaze upwards at the towering Beech trees with their smooth grey trunks and bright new leaves forming the canopy above.
In the summer these trees shade the woodland below, so spring is the best time to see a floral spectacle on the ground before the shadows grow.
Walk a little further and you will see a small white cottage secluded in the glen; take a peek in the garden to see their outdoor convenience.
Rich in birdsong
Walk past the cottage and up the glen beside a turbulent stream which leads you back to the car-park.
Look out for the yellow flowers of Lesser Celandine and listen for the loud energetic song of Blackcaps and Wrens.
Like many places on the Island, Ballaglass has a meaning in Manx. Ballaglass means 'Place of Green' which is certainly is!
There are a several ways to get to Ballaglass Glen.
Directions to Ballaglass Glen
If heading from Douglas by car take the coastal road towards Maughold.
After Glen Mona, take the right hand turn which is signposted Ballaglass (on the left is North Barrule).
If you drive down the country lane for nearly a mile you will see a sign for Ballaglass and turn right.
There are parking spaces at the glen, but it can be busy during summer weekends.
Alternatively you can alight from the Electric Tram at the Cornae stop and take a pleasant walk down to the glen.
Prepare yourself for a wonderful fresh air experience.
Photographer Ray Collister works throughout the seasons at Ballaglass. It is his favourite glen because it brings out the passion of his photography, "The Bluebells and luscious greens are a treat in late spring. Summer is the green canopy season with ferns. Autumn is the explosion of colours throughout, and the carpet bed of leaves are crisp and crunchy under foot. Winter is the month where it all quietening down, but if you get some heavy rainfall, the river swells and produces dramatic waterfalls".
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