The second festival will focus on the Port Erin area

An event in October has been added to the current June date, which this year had 1,200 walks booked by 250 participants from across the UK.

One visitor, John White, 70, travelled from Florida, USA, and plans to return for next year's event.

The festivals are organised by Terry Jones, a journalist and photographer from Chorley, Lancashire.

Tourism Minister David Cretney said: "When we launched the Isle of Man Walking Festival in 2004, based in Douglas, we felt it had great potential for growth but even we have been surprised at how popular it has become in such a short space of time.

"With this in mind we are now arranging an October festival centred on the south, and Port Erin in particular, although there will be walks on offer across the Island."