Isle of Man
Slieau Dhoo
424M
1391FT
About Slieau Dhoo
Rising above the village of Kirk Michael, this dark, heather-clad moorland summit offers a rugged character typical of the Manx Northern Uplands. The ascent through the Brandywell area reveals a landscape of peat and coniferous plantations, rewarding walkers with sprawling views across the northern plain toward the Point of Ayre and the Scottish coast.
Key Statistics
Rank
18th Highest in Isle of Man
Parent Range
Isle of Man
Prominence
?
31
Nearest Town
Michael
Geology
You’re walking across a foundation of hardened mud, silt, and sand. The ground also features unique mudstone layers filled with small, embedded pebbles.
Classifications
Find It
Latitude
54.2735°N
Longitude
4.5325°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Manx Gaelic 'Slieau Dhoo', which translates simply as 'Black Mountain', a nod to the dark heather and peaty soil that define its appearance.
- •The hill stands near the Brandywell, a historic mountain spring once used by shepherds; the water is naturally stained a deep amber by the peat, giving it the appearance of its namesake spirit.
- •On a clear day, the summit offers a commanding perspective over the northern plain of the Isle of Man, with the distinct lighthouse at the Point of Ayre visible and the Galloway hills of Scotland appearing across the Irish Sea.
- •The hill's eastern slopes drop down towards the famous Snaefell Mountain Course used in the Isle of Man TT races, specifically near the highest point of the track at Brandywell corner.
- •While the name 'Black Mountain' suggests something formidable, the reality is a gentle, sprawling moorland where the greatest challenge is often navigating the boggy patches without losing a gaiter.