IT WAS a wet start for the Isle of Man Walking Festival today but it didn’t deter the spirits of the record 225 walkers taking part.
Rain fell throughout the day, but it wasn’t cold and, despite the drenching, walkers reported they had enjoyed their opening day.
“It was raining back home too,” said one walker on the first leg of the 90-mile Coastal Path walk. “At least we had some lovely scenery here on the Island!”
All of the six walks continued as per schedule, but for those tackling the hill route across the highest peaks - Snaefell and North Barrule - the group of 20 were given a choice of completing the walk over North Barrule or an easier route down the valley to Laxey.
There was a 50-50 split and everyone completed successfully. The weather forecast for tomorrow is much better with some sunshine and broken cloud and the schedule is not altered.
There are six walks tomorrow (Tuesday). Port Erin to Peel (13.5 miles): follows the coastal paths through Fleshwick, Niarbyl and Glen Maye; Port Erin - Chasms (4.8 miles): a snaking walk taking in the thatched village of Cregneash and the ancient Meayll Hill monument; Hibernian - Corrany (4.4 miles): following greenway tracks and coastal paths including the ruins of Park Llewellyn; Colby Glen - Baie ny Carrickey (4.3 miles): through a lovely burn and wooded gorge and on to the wide expanse of Baie ny Carrickey; Ramsey Town Boundary Walk (5.5 miles): takes in Sulby Glen, Glen Auldyn, Albert Tower, Ballure Glen and the beach back to Ramsey.
Walkers on the Coastal Path Walk will cover the most demanding of the stages of their walk, travelling from The Chasms, through The Sound, Port Erin, Fleshwick, The Sloc and finishing in Dalby.
Those covering the second leg of the Millennium Way will walk between Crosby and Castletown, taking in Marown, St Patrick’s Chair and Campbell’s Bridge as well as St Mark’s village, the Monk’s Bridge and Rushen Abbey.
The social event this evening includes the Manx dance group Perree Bane and a comedian, all happening at the Villa Marina Promenade Suite.
