Isle of Man
Colden
487M
1598FT
About Colden
Rising above the Baldwin Valley, this rounded moorland summit offers a classic Manx hillwalking experience. The terrain is a mix of heather and rough grass, providing a sense of isolation despite its proximity to Braddan. From the top, the views over Injebreck Reservoir toward the higher peak of Snaefell are particularly rewarding.
Key Statistics
Rank
9th Highest in Isle of Man
Parent Range
Isle of Man
Prominence
?
122
Nearest Town
Braddan
Geology
The ground here is the Injebreck Formation. It is made of pebbly mudstone, a natural blend of fine mud and small stones trapped together.
Find It
Latitude
54.2277°N
Longitude
4.5437°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Colden is likely of Norse origin, reflecting the island's Viking history; it stems from 'Kald-dalr', meaning 'cold valley', referring to the deep, shaded glen on its eastern flank.
- •Often climbed in a circuit with neighbouring Carraghan, the summit provides a sharp perspective of the Injebreck Reservoir and the extensive plantation forests that carpet the central hills.
- •The hill overlooks the path of the Millennium Way, a 28-mile long-distance trail following the 'Regia Via', the ancient route used by the Kings of Man to travel between Ramsey and Castletown.
- •On a particularly clear day, walkers can look beyond the island's coastline to see the profile of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland and the Mull of Galloway in Scotland.
- •Despite the name, the temperature is rarely lower here than on neighbouring peaks, though the exposed moorland makes it feel as though the wind is making a personal point.