The Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society’s summer programme of walks and excursions continues tomorrow (Saturday).

Marinda Fargher will lead a walk through the Corony Valley, down which the Cornaa River flows from the North Barrule ridge of Clagh Ouyr into Ballaglass Glen before finally reaching the sea at Port Cornaa.

Both the words Corony and Cornaa, plus the local farm name Cardle, are variations of the original Norse phrase Kvernadalr, meaning ’mill stone dale or glen’.

Corony is the name applied to the upper part of the valley, where it cuts a cleft between the slopes of cone-shaped North Barrule on one side and Slieau Lhean on the other.

Where else in the Isle of Man but in the Corony Valley will you find tholtans, keeills, a ring fort, a sheepfold with a bothy and mines?

To join Marinda on this day’s ’walk and talk’ excursion through a fascinating valley meet at 10.30am in Dhoon School car park. Participants should take along a picnic lunch and to wear walking boots.

Another excursion will take place on Wednesday, June 21, and will be a Midsummer mystery coach tour and supper led by blue badge guide co-ordinator and former IOMNHAS president Frank Cowin.

All he will say about this excursion is: ’If you don’t come you won’t find out where we are going or what we will see!’

However, he adds: ’You probably will not have ridden a coach along some of these roads before!’

With a limited number of seats remaining, those wanting to go along should telephone IOMNHAS excursions secretary Patricia Newton on 861560 or 366269 or email [email protected].

The cost is £13.50 for the coach tour, supper and use of premises and cheques should be made payable to IOMNHAS.

Those booked on the tour will need to meet at 7pm at the Loch Promenade Church in Douglas.

The excursion programme will continue on Saturday, July 8, with a visit to the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway stables with guides Peter Kelly and Fiona McArdle, plus leaders from the Friends of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, to meet the horses and learn about the development of this form of transport now unique to the island.

After having some refreshment at the Terminus Tavern (not included in cost), participants can enjoy the experience of a return trip on a double decker horse tram along the full length of the existing tramway.

The cost of the stables visit and tram ride is £11, including a donation to the Friends of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, and booking is essential - again by telephoning IOMNHAS excursions secretary Patricia Newton on 861560 or 366269 or emailing [email protected] - by Thursday, June 29.

Those who have booked will need to meet up at 10.45am at the Douglas Bay Horse Tram traditional stables at Summer Hill.