Walk in the Footsteps of Archibald Knox – Maughold Church Loop

The artist and designer, Archibald Knox, was anonymous and elusive, an intensely private man who did not seek to promote himself, but whose soul and creativity live on in his extraordinary art and designs. These walks will take us into the Manx countryside where you can experience for yourself the place that inspired Knox and deepen your understanding of the man himself. Walking is a sensory way to experience a place and a visceral way to appreciate Knox and his work. As we walk and talk about Knox’s life and legacy, there will be time to pause and take in the wonder of the light and the views, that are not that much different now, than as he experienced them.

Maughold Church loop

10am – 1pm, 4th May 2025, 3rd January 2026 and 11th April 2026

This excursion starts with a stroll around Maughold churchyard where we can see the Celtic and Viking crosses and the Hall Caine memorial designed by Knox. The remains of ancient keeills and wells are evidence of Maughold’s importance as the centre of early Celtic Christianity. There is the option of climbing up Maughold Head, once a defensive hillfort and the site of a bronze age burial ground. We will walk across the valley and up to Dreemskerry where there are spectacular views back to Maughold Head. Our final destination is the 17th century Quaker Burial Ground and neolithic Ballafayle Burial Cairn.

Start Point: Maughold Village car park on Church Road
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Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Toilets: At the start point
Walking terrain: Gravel paths around Maughold Churchyard, steep footpath to Maughold Head, quiet country roads and grassy areas
Total ascent: 803ft (which includes Maughold Head 363ft, this is optional)
Distance: approximately 5.3 miles