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Walking Boots at the Ready for Sperrins 14th Walking Festival
The Sperrins 14th Walking Festival was officially launched on Monday 14th June and the festival will get under way on Friday 6th – Sunday 8th August 2010. The festival has something for everyone and provides an excellent opportunity for you to explore the beauty of the Sperrins for yourself. Over the weekend there will be the opportunity for walkers to meet new people, join in on a range of activities as well as getting some exercise!
Something for Everyone
The festival caters for all abilities of walkers and is sure to have something for everyone. Family walks, activities and nature trails will take place all weekend at Gortin Glens Forest Park. There will be a town walk through Newtownstewart on Friday evening, 6th August, where walkers will visit a number of historical sites along the route and be entertained by costumed pipers. There are two moderate walks to choose from, the Beltany, Bessy Bell and Ballyrenan route on Saturday 7th and the Doorat, Butterlope and Crocknacree route on Sunday 8th. For those walkers looking for something more adventurous they can choose from two challenging walks, Glengarrow to Eden on Saturday 7th and Oughtvabeg to Goles Bridge on Sunday 8th. Due to the phenomenal success of last year’s first ever SperrinsGold Trail, a new route is planned for this years event. This involves walking 41km over two days with an overnight camp in Cranagh, a real adventure and not for the faint hearted!
All of the walks are led by professional walking guides and they will also provide interpretation on the many features of interest and habitats encountered en-route. It is essential that moderate, challenging and overnight challenge adventure is booked in advance, due to popular demand. All booking details are available on www.sperrinswalkingfestival.com or contact Sperrins Tourism Ltd on 028 8674 7700.
Locations - Newtownstewart and Plumbridge
The festival base this year is Newtownstewart on Friday and Saturday and Plumbridge on Sunday. Two picturesque hills, Bessy Bell and Mary Gray, overlook the town of Newtownstewart and the picturesque village of Plumbridge stands on the banks of the Glenelly River. There is accommodation close to both festival bases and a wide range of other accommodation is available in the surrounding area.
Festivities & Activities
Festival goers can enjoy a range of social events and activities taking place all weekend, from live music, dance and BBQ’s to model aircraft flying demonstrations, archery and family activities. The ideal way for walkers to relax and unwind after a refreshing day in the hills. The festival closes on Sunday 8th August with a wide range of activities and events planned throughout the day in the village of Plumbridge for all to enjoy; including a farmers market; pig on spit; street buskers; exhibition of local artist and photographer; bouncy castle; street stalls and much more!!
Festival Sponsors
The 2010 Sperrins Walking Festival is funded and supported by: The Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All Programme, Strabane District Council, Cotswold Outdoor, Flavour of Tyrone, Forest Service NI and Sperrins Tourism Limited.
Programme of Walks
A full programme of walks, events and activities is available now.
Request your copy today by contacting Sperrins Tourism Ltd on 028 8674 7700 or log onto: www.sperrinswalkingfestival.com to download your FREE copy.
So clean up your hiking boots, head for the hills and discover the magic of the Sperrins for yourself!
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Elaine Donaghy, Acting Joint Manager,Sperrins Tourism Ltd.
Tel: 028 8674 7700
Email: marketing@sperrinstourism.com
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