Glen Helen

Glen Helen sits on the mountain course road between Ballacraine and Kirk Michael, a wooded valley with a broad path following the river up to the Rhenass waterfall, which drops in stages through a rock cleft at the head of the glen. It was laid out as a Victorian pleasure ground and the wide lower path dates from then. During race weeks the corner outside the glen entrance is one of the busier spectator points on the course.

History

The glen, once called Glen Rhenass or Lambfell Glen, was developed in the 1860s by a group of Manx businessmen interested in tree planting, who planted trees and ornamental shrubs, laid paths and built bridges over the river; it is one of eighteen Manx National Glens (Wikipedia, Glen Helen, Isle of Man).

What's there

• The Rhenass waterfall - the staged drop through rock at the glen head.
• The Victorian layout - the broad lower path from its pleasure ground days.
• The river walk - the route following the water up the wooded valley.
• The race corner - the mountain course bend at the glen entrance.

When to go

April to October for the best walking and colour. Spring gives the strongest waterfall. Race weeks in late May and June close the road at times.

Things to know

Road closures during race practice and racing cut access entirely for hours at a time. The upper paths are rough and steep. Facilities are a car park and a seasonal café.

Nearby

Tynwald Hill is south at St John's, and Kirk Michael is north.

Key facts