Runway Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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This geocache (now a magnetic micro) is located on the reopened footpath that skirts the airport on the coast from Derbyhaven. If taking young children and walking on the blocks of stone, please be mindful that the gaps go down deep! A narrow, off-road type pushchair can make it to the cache without much difficulty. As the path is on the coast, it can get very windy.
History.
The Battle of Ronaldsway took place in 1275 between a Scottish army and the Manx. The battle crushed the final attempt by the Manx to re-establish the Norse Sudreyar dynasty. As the battle resulted in the death of the last Norse King of Mann, Godred VI Magnuson, and the emigration to Norway of the remaining members of the Manx royal family, it also led to the firm establishment of Scottish rule on the Isle of Man. Scottish rule lasted on and off until 1333 when Mann became an Independent Kingdom for 66 years. English Suzerainty then held until 1504. Since that time The Lords of Mann have ruled the Island. The current Lord of Mann is Queen Elizabeth II.
Archaeological Excavations.
1936
In connection with the eastwards expansion of Ronaldsway Aerodrome a number of small rises near the airfield were dug into to provide soil for the levelling of the ground to the east. When workers began digging into one rise on the south side of the airfield they came upon numerous ancient graves. To the north east of the main area of graves a large number of skeletons were found thrown together in a disorderly manner. Seeing as the ancient burial mound, dating back to at least the 8th or 9th centuries AD, had been a dominating strong point in the area, it was believed the collection of skeletons might be a mass grave of soldiers who fell at the Battle of Ronaldsway.
2009
A prehistoric dwelling – 3,000 years older than Stonehenge was unearthed during construction of the runway extension at Isle of Man Airport. Dating back 8,000 years to the time when the first human settlers returned to the Isle of Man after the end of the Ice Age, it is probably the oldest dwelling ever found in the Island.
The heart of the promontory has been filled with a combination of island based sources together with sea dredged material and protected by a coastal barrier of huge blocks of stone imported from Norway.
There are some great photo opportunities at the cache site, so don't forget your camera. As usual, watch out for Muggles, including the ones above you. 
Alternative approach to the cache from Balthane Industrial Estate. Parking near the quarry next to the footpath sign.
Links:
IOM Airport
Battle of Ronaldsway
RESA Project
Maritime Journal
Vessels used in project
Runway Extension
2009 Dig
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zntargvp, ybj.