The second festival will focus on the Port Erin area

The international success of the festival benefits the whole island, according to the Department of Tourism.

This year a grading system has been added to help inexperienced walkers cope with the routes.

Festival Committee member Mike Quayle said the terrain of the island meant some city dwellers might find some routes impossible.

Rugged countryside

"If you lived in a city you might feel you can cope with a difficult walk but with this terrain, that might be impossible for some people," he said.

The festival takes place from 24 June and includes walks from Port St Mary to Port Erin, passing the Chasms, and a gruelling 95-mile Coastal Path Walk.

Between six and eight walks will be available each day, ranging from a four-mile stroll through local glens up to demanding nine or 10 mile stretches over rugged countryside.