There is a Manx saying that, on a clear day, you can see seven kingdoms from the island: Man, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, Neptune and Heaven.

Today's journey offered views of the Lake District, Galloway, the Mountains of Mourne, the Wicklow Mountains and North Wales. Neptune was obviously all around, so I can only conclude that I must have been in Heaven. It certainly felt like it.

My day began at Douglas bus station, where I caught service 5 to Peel. Peel Castle stands at the southern end of the bay on the west coast of the island, and the glorious weather meant the beach was busy and the views superb.

Lunch from the Fish Shack was Manx queenies — local small scallops — fried in honey and butter. Delicious!

From Peel I continued on service 5, travelling north through Kirk Michael and along part of the famous Manx TT course to Ramsey, the main town in the north of the island. The bus continues through the town centre to the promenade.

From there I visited Mooragh Park. The park is beautiful and well used by local residents, while the promenade offers excellent views towards the northern coast and the Lakeland hills. The seafront still carries reminders of its use during the Second World War, when hotels were requisitioned as internment camps.

It is a short walk back into the town centre, across the harbour swing bridge, with time for a stop at Gelatory — the burnt banana banoffee flavour is particularly worth trying.

From Ramsey, I headed to the tram station for the journey back to Douglas, enjoying views of Maughold Head, Laxey Bay and, on the approach to the capital, the sweep of Douglas Bay.

A stop at the Terminus Tavern provided suitable refreshment before a final walk along Douglas Promenade back towards the town centre where the day had begun.