Local residents are being challenged to find somewhere on the Island they may have never seen before when the Isle of Man Walking Festival takes place from May 13th to 17th.
Organisers of the 5-day event believe there are many local residents who will find scenic parts of the Island they will never have seen before, if they join in any of the sessions during the week.
The popular festival, now in its 9th year, has places available for local walkers to take part, joining in as many or as few of the walks as they wish - costing either ?4 or ?5 each -
Covering walks which vary widely, from routes through former mining valleys to country tracks and sections of the spectacular coastal footpath.
Routes include coastal walks covering areas such as Cregneash, The Chasms, The Ayres as well as many of the Island’s glens, the Ballaugh Curraghs and hill routes, with an emphasis on heritage sites, including notable landmarks such as Tynwald Hill and Rushen Abbey.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to join in an organised walk of their choice and see parts of the Island they have never seen before,” said Walking Festival Director Sue Dennis.
“The 95 mile coastal footpath Raad ny Foillan route is a really tough challenge, but many of the other routes are designed for people who may never have taken part in an organised walk before - and some are very easy indeed, such as the 2 hour gentle walk through Ballaugh Curraghs, where there’s the chance to see the elusive wild wallabies.”
She added, “The emphasis is on enjoyment, and getting the chance to see some beautiful Manx scenery. There are many people who may have never thought about taking part in such a walk, so this is a great opportunity to join in an organised event with knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who know the routes inside out.”
The walks are graded to suit walkers of all abilities and ages, with some on routes as short the 4 miles over a comfortable route through glens on the west at Glen Wyllin and Glen Mooar, or the 8.8 mile route along the Peel Heritage Trail, which involves a flat walk along the former railway line to St John’s, returning via Lhergydhoo and the west coast footpath back to Peel.
Experienced walkers can tackle the most challenging route - the 95 mile Raad ny Foillan coastal footpath, requiring around 20 miles of walking each day, some over quite tough terrain. Those who complete the challenge will received a framed certificate of their achievement on the final night “Blister Party”..
“The emphasis is on the walkers enjoying themselves,” added Sue Dennis. “Each route offers very different scenery and walking challenges, but there is definitely something for everyone.”
Walkers can take part in as many, or as few, of the walks as they like - giving the opportunity to choose an easier route, or perhaps tackle something more challenging.
You can also join in the series of social events, staged each evening at the Villa Marina, costing just ?5 each evening. The entertainment includes The Perree Bane Manx Dancers, The Shenanigans Banned, The Lhon Dhoo Male Voice Choir, Ceilidh Night and Farewell Blister Party with Brown Sugar. For full details of walks and entertainment see visitisleofman.com/whatson/sports/walkingfest.xml. To book your walks call Event Services on Call: 01624 664460 or email info@iomevents.com.
