One of the best-kept secrets of the Isle of Man is the almost-forgotten road between the capital Douglas and the small cove which is Port Soderick, three miles to the south. With breath-taking views of sea and seals the way is peaceful and remote.
It comes as quite a shock to learn that what is now a foot and cycle path played a major part not only in the Manx tourist industry, but also in the history of transport as a whole.
The Douglas Southern Electric Tramway opened as a tourist railway before many places had electricity, never mind tramways (or even tourists). With the double-deck open-top trams clinging to the cliffs about 100 feet above sea level and even crossing sea coves on girder bridges, it must have been an incredible ride.
Sadly, apart from the walkway itself, little of the tourist bustle now remains. Loaghtan Books' new publication, By Whing to Port Soderick, uses archive photographs to provide a glimpse of the fun they used to have, and the unique place this remarkable tramway has in transport history.
The book is 52 pages, softback, fully illustrated in colour and black and white and retails at ?7.50.
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