The UK’s largest walking festival is set to get off to a spectacular start on 5th May when over 200 children and adults will take part in a colourful Chinese Walking Parade which marks the launch of the ninth Isle of Wight Walking Festival on an island that has over 500 miles of marked footpaths.

This year, cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink (0870 582 7744 www.wightlink.co.uk) has joined forces with organisers to become a co-sponsor for the first time and is offering some great value fares for people wishing to travel to the Island for the festival, priced from just £4 per person, when travelling on a special family day return ticket.

Among the highlights of this year’s festival which is set to attract some 15,000 walkers is a ‘Love me, love my dog’ walk where the dogs help break the ice for their singleton owners as they stroll around the romantic River Yar circular walk. And budding romances can continue on board the Wightlink ferry which carries dogs for free and has a special pets corner.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival takes place from 5th – 20th May featuring over 190 walks suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities, including family discovery walks, ghost walks, walks for foodies and garden walks.

Wightlink is offering specially discounted foot passenger offers including a 2-for-1 deal and a family day return ticket for up to five people (no more than two adults) from £20.80. Call 0870 582 7744 or log onto www.wightlink.co.uk/walking/walkingfestival/offers for more information.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of:                                                                    By:

WIGHTLINK LTD                                                                        Christine Ball PR

27th March 2007                                                                        Tel: 01798 874177