South Barrule

South Barrule rises to 483 metres in the southern hills and its summit carries the ramparts of a hillfort with the foundations of some eighty round huts inside, one of the largest prehistoric settlements on the island, occupied in the Iron Age and possibly earlier. The climb from the road takes half an hour on a stony path. From the top the whole southern half of the island is laid out, and on clear days three neighbouring countries are visible.

Background

In Manx the hill is Baarool Jiass, and its ancient name was Warfield or Wardfell. No hill in the south of the island stands higher, its prominence is c. 338 m, and tradition makes the summit fort the home of Mannanan beg mac y Leir, the Manx god of the sea. Conifer plantations cover much of the surrounding ground, and the Cringle Reservoir on the south western slope was formed to supply water to the south. A short straight path leads to the Round Table, a small saddle crossed by the Bayr ny Skeddan walking route and the A27 and A36 roads. On clear days the Mourne Mountains, the Wicklow Mountains and the Lake District are in view.

Source: Wikipedia, "South Barrule"

Highlights

• The hillfort ramparts - the enclosing banks around the summit.
• The hut circles - foundations of some eighty round houses inside the fort.
• The summit view - the southern half of the island laid out below.
• The clear-day view - neighbouring coasts visible across the sea.

When to go

April to October is best for footing and visibility. Cloud sits on the summit often. Winter conditions on the top can be severe.

Before you go

The hut circles are low and hard to make out in the heather. The summit is frequently in cloud with no view at all. The path is stony and exposed with no shelter.

Nearby

Cregneash is south, and Glen Maye is northwest.

Key facts