A new way to experience touring our Island

The idea stemmed from a friend asking for suggestions on where to visit

An app has launched that will give visitors and residents a new way to explore, learn and experience the Island. 

The Isle of Man Tourist Trail by Hidden Bearings allows users to follow interactive trails and unlock stories, historical information, images and audio content as they reach different locations.

Creator Matt Bale, a regular visitor to the Island, said the idea first came to him when a friend asked him for ideas on where to go when visiting to watch the TT. 

Matt, from Bristol, said the Island has had a big impact on him, with his first trip to watch the TT himself beginning a cultural love affair. 

He said: "You fall in love with the Island. 

"You come for the racing and then you're there for such a period of time that you get exposed to the places that you go to visit outside of the racing, the people that you meet, the locals, the cafes, the walks that you go on and then you end up coming for the Island and the racing is quite a nice bit to come to, but generally you go for the island and then you go and watch some racing. It almost changes the more you go."

The app currently focuses on the TT course, offering ideas on places to sit, grab a bite to eat, toilets and places of interest around the course, but Matt has plans to grow this and said he is talking to the government over how to incorporate more ideas as it expands around the Island. 

As Hidden Bearings develops, the aim is to work alongside local people, businesses and heritage organisations so future trails can reflect and celebrate the knowledge, stories and character of the communities they feature.

Matt added: “I’m very conscious that I’m not Manx. I came here as a visitor, but over many years I’ve developed a genuine love and respect for the Island, its people, heritage and character.

“Hidden Bearings isn’t about telling the Isle of Man its own story. It’s about celebrating what is already here and helping more people discover and appreciate it.

“I hope visitors leave understanding a little more about what makes the Island so special, but I’d also love local people to use the app and discover something new. I’ve explored places with friends who have lived here all their lives and heard them say, ‘I’ve never been here before.’ There is always something else to uncover.”

Find out more about the Isle of Man Tourist Trail by Hidden Bearings here.