“A winkie” you say? That’s what the locals call this smaller lighthouse. It’s perched on a gravel bank just off the Point of Ayre. You are standing before a marvel of engineering and a testament to the relentless power of nature.
The Point of Ayre Winkie Lighthouse isn’t just a light. It’s a story etched in stone and shingle. Built in 1888 it’s a much younger sibling to its larger counterpart the Point of Ayre Lighthouse. This older structure was erected in 1818 by Robert Stevenson a renowned engineer. A major feat considering the Isle of Man’s poor roads. He had to overcome difficulties in communication and transportation. The lighthouse keepers initially stayed with a farmer two miles away while the building was being finished.
But why the Winkie? The answer lies in the shifting sands and gravel of the Point of Ayre. The land itself is moving. When the main lighthouse was built it was much closer to the sea. The relentless accumulation of gravel forced builders to construct the Winkie further out. In 1899 it was built 750 feet seaward. Another move was needed in 1951. This time it was shifted a further 250 feet. The Winkie’s journey reflects the dynamic nature of this northern tip of the Isle of Man.
Think about it. This tiny structure is a visual record of coastal change. It’s a miniature monument to the ever-changing landscape. The main lighthouse even has two broad red bands. These markings are visible from far away. Across the water in southwest Scotland you can clearly see them. The main lighthouse’s Fresnel lens from 1890 a marvel of optical engineering is still operational. The beam is powerful. It sends out four flashes every twenty seconds. These are seen for 19 nautical miles.
The Winkie itself isn’t just about its location. It also shows the ingenuity and persistence of engineers. The Point of Ayre. A place of constant change. A place where nature and human endeavor clash and coexist. The Winkie serves as a silent witness to the ceaseless battle between land and sea. This smaller light was deactivated in 2010. Modern navigation systems now guide ships. This little lighthouse remains a powerful symbol. It represents the resilience and resourcefulness that are vital to this island.