Feel the wind whip across North Barrule. This magnificent peak the second highest in the Isle of Man stands before you. Its name Baarool Twoaie in Manx or varða-fjall in Old Norse meaning lookout or cairn mountain speaks to its ancient presence.
North Barrule isn’t just a mountain. It’s a boundary marker. It divides the parishes of Lezayre and Maughold. Imagine the ancient disputes settled in its shadow. From its 565-meter summit you can see far and wide. Ireland’s coast shimmers on the horizon. So does Cumbria Wales and even Scotland on a clear day.
Reaching the summit is a rewarding hike. No technical climbing is needed just a good walk. You can choose different paths. One starts near the Black Hut and takes you over Clagh Ouyr. That’s another peak a shorter climb before the final ascent to North Barrule’s summit. Another route begins near the Hibernia following a track through fields past Park Llewellyn a ruined farmstead.
The walk itself can take between one and a half and two hours for someone of average fitness. The terrain is mostly short tussocky grass. But be warned some areas are marshy. Sturdy boots are recommended.
North Barrule holds a tragic secret. On April 23 1945 a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crashed into its east side. All 31 people on board perished. This remains the deadliest aviation accident in Manx history. A stark reminder of the mountain’s unforgiving nature.
As you stand here on North Barrule feel the weight of history. The wind whispers tales of ancient Norsemen. Of boundary disputes and tragic crashes. It’s a place where the beauty of the landscape and the weight of human history intertwine. A place to remember. A place to reflect. A place that is North Barrule.