The relentless wind whispers secrets of centuries past. Here at Rue Point you stand at the northernmost tip of the Isle of Man. Closer to Scotland than Douglas this point has witnessed the ebb and flow of time.
Rue Point is more than just a geographical marker. It’s a testament to the relentless power of nature. The stones here are not native. They’ve journeyed from the west coast beaches. Coastal erosion wind and tides carry them. The sand however is swept out to sea.
This constant movement is Rue Point’s remarkable secret. The lighthouse built in 1818 by Robert Stevenson is now much farther from the sea than it was originally. The ongoing gravel buildup forced the construction of a smaller light tower the Winkie. The Winkie was even moved further seaward in 1951. Aerial photographs easily show Rue Point’s gradual southeastward shift.
Imagine the challenges faced by Stevenson and his team in 1818. Poor roads and slow communication made building the lighthouse a monumental undertaking. The keepers even had to lodge with a farmer two miles away while the building was completed. The impressive foghorns once sounded hauntingly across the sea. In favorable conditions they could be heard as far away as the Mull of Galloway.
The relentless sea however continues to claim land. Coastal erosion south of Rue Point at Cranstal has destroyed several dwellings. A nearby landfill site Wright’s Pit East presents another challenge. Coastal erosion is threatening to expose its contents. This could lead to unwelcome reappearances of buried rubbish on the beaches.
But Rue Point is not just a story of erosion and change. The area holds a unique history. Sand and gravel extraction dates back to the 19th century. While prospecting for coal a huge brine lake was discovered. This pure saltwater solution was piped to Ramsey. It was used for table salt and as a preservative in the thriving herring industry. Remnants of these pipes can still be seen near Cranstal.
Today Rue Point is a fascinating landscape. The shifting sands the dramatic cliffs the nesting birds and the powerful sea currents create a truly remarkable place. Take a moment breathe in the salty air and let the stories of Rue Point wash over you. The history is palpable. It breathes in the very wind you feel on your face.