Leaders put their best feet forward - Isle of Man Walking Festival

RECORD interest has resulted in a recruitment drive for walk leaders to help out with the forthcoming Isle of Man Walking Festival.

Organisers say already there are more than 200 visiting walkers booked up for the five-day festival in mid-May, so bumper numbers are expected.

To cope with demand, event co-ordinator Mick Salmon is hoping to recruit an extra 20 leaders or assistants.

«We have a list of about 50 people, but ideally could do with quite a few more,» he said .«They wouldn’t need to be committed to every day of the festival – once or twice in the week would be sufficient.They are not expected to be experts on any particular trail, as training will be given and they can be shown round the walk to acquaint them with any outstanding features so they can explain about them to the people in their charge.»

Ideally, though, leaders should have a passion for the island and a certain amount of general local knowledge.

«The leaders and assistants are asked many questions about the Isle of Man itself so we need people who are reasonably knowledgeable about our heritage and traditions,» Mick said. «We are not looking for historians or specialist walkers, just local residents who have pride in their island.»

This year sees extra routes on the itinerary, including the 15-mile Herring Way from Peel to Castletown and the Millennium Way. Another long-distance trek that is always popular is the Coastal Path, where the participants cover 18-20 miles a day over five days. New for this year is a relatively gentle stroll based around Dhoon Glen.

The most popular walks have been around Port Erin and Port St Mary, not to mention the Laxey to North Barrule walk via Snaefell, which starts with a trip on the mountain railway. Evening entertainment ranges from jazz and bingo to stand-up comedy.

Anyone interested in joining the leaders, or assistant leaders, should call Mr Salmon on 331369, or email him at office@manxwalks.com. This year’s festival runs from May 15 to 20.

By Ian Brown

Source: Isle of Man News - 26th March 2011

Official Website: http://www.gov.im/tourism/Activities/Walkingfestival/

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