Around Quarry Bends the wind whispers tales of racing legends. This isn’t just a series of bends on a road. Quarry Bends is steeped in history. It’s a place where the past roars to life.
Quarry Bends sits near the 20th Milestone on the A3 road. This vital route links Castletown and Ramsey. For centuries this road formed part of the long round. Horse-drawn carts used it to travel between these towns. Before the Curraghs wetlands were drained the old road was quite different. The A3’s history goes back to the draining of Lake Andreas. This happened around 1500 to 1600. The building of Sulby Straight around 1815 further changed the route.
Quarry Bends also served a stone quarry in the 1800s. This is where the bends got their name. In 1882 a railway siding was built here. This served the quarry. The siding connected to the Manx Northern Railway. This ran from St Johns to Ramsey. The railway crossed several roads. It passed through the Curraghs wetlands.
The area wasn’t just about industry. The Curraghs were traditionally used for growing hay. This was used to feed grazing animals. In the 1930s attempts were made to grow New Zealand flax. The Isle of Man Forestry Lands and Mines Board bought the land in 1963. This led to the creation of the Curraghs Wildlife Park. Opened in 1965 it’s a short distance from Quarry Bends. The park now includes a miniature railway. This adds to the area’s charm.
Quarry Bends played a crucial role in motorsport. It was part of the Four Inch Course. This was used for the Tourist Trophy car races from 1906 to 1922. In 1911 motorcycles started racing this route too. The course became the 37.73 mile Isle of Man TT Mountain Course. This course still hosts the TT races and the Manx Grand Prix.
In the mid 1980s Quarry Bends underwent major road improvements. Trees were removed. A picnic area was created. The bends are now smooth and flowing. They present a challenging yet exhilarating part of the TT course.
So stand here at Quarry Bends. Feel the history beneath your feet. Listen to the echoes of roaring engines. Imagine the speed. Imagine the bravery. This place is more than just a road. It’s a living legend.