WHAT could be better than a good walk to work up an appetite and with this in mind Visit Guernsey has just launched its first tourism initiative of the year by offering ‘Tasty Walks’ breaks.

The series of three themed walks that combine Guernsey's stunning scenery with the island's gastronomy is aimed at encouraging visitors to enjoy this Channel Island destination in the first few months of the year when visitor numbers are traditionally lower.

The initiative is the first in a series of innovative tourism campaign themes aimed at showcasing the island's natural beauty, historic significance and short break offering whilst evoking the emotion and nostalgia people feel for destinations that offer many of the elements of a traditional holiday.

Tasty Walks will run throughout March and April and in all there will be 34 walks on offer packaged together and led by an accredited walking guide that will end with a traditional Guernsey meal at a local restaurant. The restaurants have been selected due to their quality and ethos of using local produce.

To further enforce the concept, many of Guernsey's popular restaurants and hotels will be offering specially designed seasonal Guernsey menus to showcase the best of the island's food.

With just 30 places in each walk, visitors can be assured of an intimate experience really bringing the island and its fascinating history and varied topography to life.

Full details of the walks are as follows:-

  • A Stitch in Time - St Peter Port through the Ages takes visitors through the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways of Guernsey’s capital to learn about its history from Roman times to the present day. The tour finishes at the highly acclaimed Guernsey Tapestry which tells a story of a thousand years of Guernsey Island life. The walk takes two hours and costs £24 per person including the tapestry entrance fee and evening meal.
  •  A West Coast Wanderer explores Guernsey’s wild, rugged coastline passing 19th century forts, walking through National Trust Land and stopping at the ‘fairy ring’ which is steeped in local folklore. The walk takes two and a half hours and costs £20.50 per person including lunch at the Imperial Hotel.
  •  Uninvited Guests - The Reich, The Writer and The Royals takes a step back into Guernsey’s history and its uninvited guests including literary genius Victor Hugo, Queen Victoria and German’s during WWII; characters who all helped shape Guernsey’s cultural history. The walk takes three hours and costs £13.50 per person including afternoon cream tea.

Visitors interested in a Tasty Walk can book through their hotel, tour operator or through the Guernsey Information Centre on 01481 723552.

For available dates and details of restaurants please visit: http://bit.ly/WuQzWr or for further general information on Guernsey, please visit www.visitguernsey.com