Ward & Lock's descriptive and pictorial guide to the Isle of Man ...

;—Short Walks from Douglas. 55TO ONCHAN, ST. CATHARINE'S, GROWDALE,&c.A ramble from Douglas in a northward direction is quiteas pleasant as either of those we have descril)ed. To enjoyit, we walk nearly to Derby Castle, and having climbed thecliff behind it, and visited Strathalkm Parh and VictoriaTower {alreachj noticed on ii. 32), walk along the rochsbeyond to the boantiful bay and beach, called Port-e-Vadda.Hence we find a pathway leading along the top of the cliff.It is, however, a not very smooth one, a few awkward stileshaving to be climbed ; but it commands one of tlie best viewsof the town and bay, and it is rich in wild flowers. The walkwill repay the fatigue attending it; and those who, for any sufficientcause, donot care to venture along it can drive to OnchanChurchyard, where we will rejoin them. Presently, we crossa merry little stream, wending its musical way to the seathruugli a sequestered valley, which seems to have beenplaced where it is, purposely for the accommodation of picnicparties ; and there we reach another charming creek OnchanHarpour, surrounded by chasms and caves, which tell usplainly enough that old Neptune is not always in the goodhumour he displaj's to-day. Having gazed, to our hearts'content, at the scene spread out before us, we turn to ourleft, and following the upward winding road, reachOnchan Parish Church,which is quite as well worth Aasiting as is the better knownchurch at Braddan. It stands in an elevated position, inthe neighbourhood of luxuriant trees; and its churchyardcommands an extensive look-out. The church was originallydedicated to St. Concha, the mother of St. Patrick (the nameof the village is an evident corruption of that of the saint),but it is now known as St. Peter's, thoiigh when and bywhoin the change was made, and for what reason, is uncertain; it is certainly not an alteration that commends itselfto one's approval. The building is in the Perpendicular styleof architecture ; and its lofty spire has an unfinished appearance,in consequence of the absence of the cross or vane as atermination. Its interior is capacious and neatly pewed, thewestern end having a gallery for the organ and choir ; whileadjoining the chancel are the Governor's chapel and a vestry." In this churchyard, now free from earthly woes,Lie many strangers to fair Mona's isleHere young and loving hearts have found repose,Whose presence was a benuty, and whose smUeWould aching bosoms of their grief beguile.