VIDEO/PICTURE GALLERY
WALKERS set a hot pace to launch the eleventh Isle of Wight Walking Festival — Britain's biggest event of its kind — on Saturday, with a walk over hot embers.
Dozens of brave souls stepped up to the challenge of walking the 20ft-long course at Newport Quay in aid of the Barely Born Appeal and Newport's Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
A lantern procession, stilt walkers and fire eaters were also part of a blazing launch to 16 full days of walks and activities, including more than 300 walks.
Events include a walk in the footsteps of poet laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson, a stroll in the stunning gardens of Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s much-loved residence at East Cowes, the return of the speed-dating walk — which can now boast three weddings — family treasure hunts, heritage trails and dinosaur, railway and ghost walks.
Other highlights include an evening with Janet Street Porter at Newport's Medina Theatre on Friday and Walk the Wight on Sunday.
• More on the Isle of Wight Walking Festival at:
http://www.iwight.com/just_visiting/events/majorevents/preview.aspx?eventId=30.
• Pictures from our online gallery www.iwcpgallery.co.uk below.
Click on the image for a larger version.
Isle of Wight Walking Festival firewalk on Saturday night.
Video by Christian Beasley.
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