ISLAND LIFE
Wight hot walk launch
There will be something for
everyone at this year’s Isle of
Wight Walking Festival, with a
white hot launch on Saturday,
May 5.
Organisers have compiled
a programme of walks for all
abilities, although many may
prefer to be mere spectators at St
Thomas’ Square, Newport on the
opening day when the area will
be transformed with hot embers
and broken glass to create two
unusual footpaths.
To celebrate the 14th year of the
Festival volunteers will be invited
to test their powers of courage by
walking over the 20ft stretch of
hot coals or the path of broken
glass, created by hundreds of
smashed wine bottles.
The popular Speed Dating
Walks, aimed at attracting single
walkers looking for a partner,
takes place from the Fisherman’s
Cottage, Shanklin Esplanade,
at 11.0am on May 6. The walks
have produced several successful
matches over the years, and the
first ‘Speed Dating’ baby was
born last year to a couple who
were the event’s second perfect
match.
Those with plenty of stamina
may want to test themselves on
May 19 with a non-stop walk
around the Island’s 72 miles
of coastal paths, which it is
anticipated will take up to 24
hours. There are also Beaches,
Bars and Blisters Coastal Walks,
covering 38 miles from Ventnor
to Shalfleet on May 5, and
Shalfleet to Ventnor the following
day. The planned 36-hour walk
includes an overnight break.
Further details can be found on
www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.
co.uk
Some of the hundreds of
walkers who enjoyed the
spectacular sights of the Island
during last year's Isle of Wight
Walking Festival. There is
expected to be another massive
turnout for the ever-popular
event when it gets underway in
early May.
www.visitislandlife.com
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