The annual Summer Walking Festival, which for the first time takes place in May (17th - 22nd) will teach visitors about the Island’s myths, folklore and history while offering a choice of twenty-six walks.
Festival Organiser Mick Salmon explains ‘The Isle of Man is steeped in legend and some new walks have been introduced to take our guests on journeys through areas where strange things are said to have happened. Some of these goings-on can possibly be dismissed as myths but others have a basis in historical fact.
A Fairy Bridge tour, showcasing the 'official' and unofficial Fairy Bridges, is part of a seven-mile Grade C trek which also takes in Port Soderick and the Marine Drive. Another new walk with historical significance covers Glen Maye, down the coastal footpath to Fenella Beach in Peel, passing Corrin’s Tower on the way.
The unusual history of the Tower – also known as Corrin’s Folly – will be explained by the guide, providing ramblers with a unique experience. Normally, the four-storey structure is locked but special arrangements have been made for those taking part in the festival to explore inside. The happenings on this particular walk, depicted by the guide, are true but visitors can make up their own minds about some of the stories told on the Peel, Castletown and Douglas ghost walks!
A third addition to the programme provides an opportunity to walk over the Island's highest point, as well as sampling the Victorian transport system. The Manx Electric Railway takes visitors to the top of Snaefell – the highest peak at 2,036 feet – and they then make their way to the top of North Barrule and downhill into Ramsey.
No Manx walking festival would be complete without the six-mile stroll from Port St.Mary to Port Erin. This has been voted the most popular walk on each of the five previous events as it takes walkers along the coastline at the southern end of the Island, ending with an optional steam-train journey into Douglas. Another regular feature is the 96-mile Coastal Footpath Walk, spread over five days.
Mick Salmon continues ‘May is the ideal time for walking around the Island as the natural fauna is starting to come out and the bird life is at its best with the nesting season in full swing.
‘We believe our festival is unique as it offers a full package for participants with travel to and from the Island, accommodation, walks and nightly entertainment. The social side is well catered for and includes a Manx night, jazz evening, choral singing, and a quiz night, finishing with a Grand Ceilidh. There is no need for single people to stay in their hotel at night as everyone mixes in and there is a great atmosphere.’
The Festival is supported by the Island’s Department of Tourism and Leisure. Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, said the aim was to include something for everyone in the itinerary. He said: ‘Many of our regular festival visitors have said they want to learn more about the history and traditions of the Isle of Man and we have incorporated walks which allow the guides to do just that.
‘One of the most popular aspects, introduced last year, proved to be a tour of the Tynwald (Manx Parliament) Chamber with one of my political colleagues, Quinton Gill MHK, as the guide and this is to be repeated. Everyone who leads a walk is not only an experienced guide but has a wide knowledge of the Isle of Man and its traditions so can answer questions on this subject.
‘We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the British Isles – as well as some from even further afield including the United States – to our festival and feel sure they will have a great time.’
