Since this Spring the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival has been under threat due to difficulties in securing funding.  This week a lifeline has been thrown to it from the new Exmoor Tourism Partnership.

The ETP, launch last June, was formed to co-ordinate efforts of the Exmoor Tourist Association, the Exmoor National Park Authority, West Somerset Council and Active Exmoor. They plan to deliver a coordinated approach to supporting the local tourism industry.

Since 1999 this popular festival offers a wide range of guided walks. These include half-day to full day walks in Exmoor and North Devon. It attracts hundreds of walkers to the region every year.

Mike Bishop from the partnership said, ‘We’re delighted that we have been able to take the festival under the umbrella of the Active Exmoor project.  The festival is now secure for 2 more years thanks to support from Sustainable Development Funds provided by both the North Devon AONB and Exmoor National Park.  The Walking Festival is estimated to generate over £130,000 for the local economy. It provides an opportunity for all to get out and experience this beautiful region on foot in the knowledgeable hands of our walking guides.

To meet demand for these popular walks a new Autumn Festival has been launched offering 32 of the best cherry-picked guided walks.

Bryan Cath, festival coordinator said, ‘This is great news as the festival is enjoyed by so many people and demand is still on the increase.  It would have been a real shame to let the public down.’

The Autumn Festival runs from the 18th – 21st September 2009 and tickets can be booked online at www.walkingexmoor.co.uk or by calling Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre on 01271 863001.