The latest BBC version of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" was filmed on the island in April/May 2002, and was shown on Boxing Day 2002, repeated on 16 May 2004. It stars Richard Roxburgh, Richard E Grant, Ian Hart, John Nettles, Matt Day, Neve McIntosh, Geraldine James and Liza Tarbuck.
Isle of Man Guide
Although most of the moorland scenes were shot further south on the island, some filming took place in this area, so it gives me an excuse to take you on one of my favourite walks. There is good parking for one car at N 54°14.735',W 4°29.891', or closer - but make sure you get completely off the road here - at N 54°14.874', W 4°29.655'. You won't have to be Sherlock Holmes to find the cache, but you might be better off wearing wellies than trainers!
Part of the Isle of Man Film Series. Others in the series are;
Don't Wake Ned
Island at War
Treasure Isle
Manx TB Hotel
"Good Heavens, Holmes!".
"Whatever has just occurred to you, it is obviously of considerable concern" observed Sherlock Holmes, from his armchair in the drawing room at Baskerville Hall.
He turned, and studied Watson's anxious face.
"It would appear that you have parted company with your treasured diary".
"I will not waste time by allowing you to explain how you so quickly analysed the situation", replied Watson. "It is of the utmost importance that I locate the diary before we leave Devon. Without it, my report on the case of the Hound of the Baskervilles will be inaccurate and lacking in detail - I'm afraid that I cannot rely on my memory completely, these days".
Holmes sniffed. "I'm afraid I cannot rely on your diary, either, judging by the sensationalised account you provided on the last case I solved. I'm not sure that losing the book is such a great disaster. Nevertheless, I may be able to help you find it".
Holmes turned away and concentrated on lighting his pipe.
"Holmes, tell more - immediately!".
It was a very trying characteristic of Holmes that he would not communicate all he knew about an incident: perhaps for dramatic effect, or perhaps out of a habit brought about by professional caution. On this occasion, however, he was forthcoming.
"You will remember, Watson, that when the hound pursued Sir Henry across the moor, we each shot the creature as it charged past. It survived and attacked Sir Henry, but we were able to kill it, just in time, after sprinting towards it. As we fired at the hound again, I saw your diary fall from your pocket: it was not the moment to point this out, as we had more urgent priorities. I'm afraid that the book will still be lying there on the moor, unless it has been picked up - which would appear unlikely, would it not?".
"I propose that you return to the spot where the hound was killed, and search for it. Your eyesight is fair, and you should see our tracks in the soft ground".
"Holmes: are you seriously proposing that I attempt to cross the Grimpen Mire alone - and that I should be expected to find the very place we killed the hound, in all that area of bog and moor? That is absolutely impossible!".
Holmes sighed. "Watson, you are aware that Stapleton marked the safe line through the mire. When I was studying his movements, I also took note of the markers. There is a marker not more than ten paces east of where the diary might lie: you merely have to find that place.".
Holmes passed a slip of paper to Watson. "Here is the exact position of the marker post, Watson. I will doubtless see you for tea!".
The slip of paper has been preserved for future generations, and is kept safely at the co-ordinates above. Once you have your destination noted, follow the markers beginning with the nearest one: one wooden post follows, then a stone one. From here, keeping to the south-east bank of the stream, make your way to the post at N54°15.041',W 4°29.238'. Then a direct approach can be made to the marker post mentioned by Holmes. The diary can be found in a box, hidden as Holmes describes above. Or can it?