First Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival a Resounding Success
The first Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival, held after the May Day Bank Holiday, 3rd May 2010 has been voted a resounding success. The Isle of Purbeck in Dorset has some of the most stunning scenery in the South and walks roamed along the coast and over heathland, through nature reserves and through idyllic Dorset villages.
Visiting walkers were treated to spectacular views, abundant wildlife and, luckily, a week of good weather too. With more than forty guided walks the two hundred plus people who took part could choose something to suit every age and capability. Distances ranged from a mile and a half walk around Swanage, discovering the fascinating history of this Victorian seaside town, up to sixteen miles along the South West Coast Path.
Many walks had a theme, among the most popular being geology – Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is the ultimate geological site, bird watching, wild flowers and a walk which included a trip on Swanage Steam Railway as the return journey. Some walks included a pub lunch, while others involved a packed lunch, sitting in a flower-filled meadow and looking out to sea.
The week ended with a Ceilidh, with live band, bar and barbecue, in a marquee overlooking the beach. Those who still had the energy danced reels and jigs with vigour, and the others enjoyed watching and tapping their tired feet to the music. A great way to cement friendships made throughout the week.
Lyn Fegan, a local hotelier, who led a walk based around the history of the local quarrying industry, commented “those who came on my walk were of varying ages and fitness, but everyone mixed well, chatted and we all enjoyed a day out in the country. All my walkers are planning to return next year, and, hopefully, bring friends.”
Plans are already well underway for next year’s Festival, which is to be extended, running from 30th April to May 8th 2011 and more details can be found on the Walking Festival website, www.walkswanage.com.
For more information on Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck please visit www.VisitSwanage.com.
For more information on this story contact Julian Maughan on 01929 423972
For Press enquiries please contact Emma Fernandez at Violet PR on 078 497 48 434
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
2 comments:
200+ people that took part!!! wow that was nearly as successful then as the Victorian week on the railway!!!!! Tourism needs to get real in this Town.
but here we have 200 people spending money in purbeck who would not have considered coming at all if it wasnt for this excellent initiative. Dont knock it, we just need more events like this to exploit our wonderful place.
Post a Comment