BASHFUL men on the Isle of Wight look like leaving scores of local single women looking for love.
Organisers of a speed dating walk have been dismayed that though 60 women have registered to take part — only a handful of males have signed up.
The walk between from Shanklin and Sandown and back via a local pub is being organised as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival.
Already two couples who met during the speed walk have got married and a third has become engaged.
Walking festival organiser Elaine Cesar said: “The speed dating walk has been very popular in previous years but this time there seems to be a reluctance of males to take part. While we have plenty of woman, we currently only have about ten males.
“I don’t know why there should be such a difference between the number of males and females — perhaps they are shy. At least those who do take part will not be facing too much competition.
In its tenth year, the IW Walking festival is the largest event of its type held in the UK. More than 15,500 people are expected to take part in around 300 walks.
The speed dating walk takes place on May 4.
This year the festival is the biggest ever utilising the Isle of Wight’s 500 miles of footpaths.
“Not only is the event an ideal opportunity to enjoy the Island’s spectacular countryside, it is also encourages people to get out and get fit,” Elaine said.
“Over the years the programme of walks has grown to really offer something for everyone.”
Other unusual walks this year include one dedicated to Jimi Hendrix based around the site of his last public performance at the 1970 IW festival at Afton and another led by Tales from The Riverbank creator and producer Dave Ellison who based the series on a watercourse near his home on the Island.
The official launch of the IW Walking Festival is on Saturday May 3 by IW High Sheriff Alan Titchmarsh. Another celebrity backer of the event is TV’s Ben Fogle who is hosting a gala evening at Medina Theatre, Newport, the same day.
For further information please contact Elaine Cesar Event Organiser – Mob: 07970 009909 or
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