Guernsey has reached a tourism first with the launch of 'Tasty Walks' audio guides, voiced by author and TV presenter James Strawbridge (www.jamesstrawbridge.com) who is the new celebrity tourism ambassador for the island. The 11 themed audio guides showcase the beauty, history and gastronomy of the island on walks of varying lengths and difficulties and are free to download from www.visitguernsey.com.

The audio guides have been developed to give Guernsey visitors a self-guided dimension to their holiday, with passionate guiding by James Strawbridge, who is a Guernsey fan following family holidays to the island and visits on ITV's 'The Hungry Sailors' programme last year. The range of themes on the guides, including history, nature and folklore and their differing lengths and terrains mean that the guides will suit a range of interests and fitness levels. An interactive map on the Visit Guernsey website highlights the different routes and their key points of interest, including the best places to eat during or after the walks.

As well as voicing the audio guides, James will form a key part of Guernsey's 2014 tourism strategy. He has been brought on board to highlight specifically the island's walking and gastronomy product but will also build general awareness of the tourism potential of the island through Guernsey's marketing and PR channels. In addition to heading up ITV1's 'The Hungry Sailors' programme, James has starred in ITV1's 'Saturday Farm',  is a regular contributor to 'The Alan Titchmarsh Show' and has appeared as an eco-guest on 'Richard and Judy' and 'Ready Steady Cook'.

Wendy Pedder from Visit Guernsey quotes "James is a natural fit for Guernsey. His passion for the outdoors and nature is infectious and this combined with his culinary skills makes him an ideal ambassador for Guernsey where we pride ourselves on our gastronomy and stunning scenery. We are hugely looking forward to working with James and to his contribution to our plans in 2014"

James Strawbridge quotes "I fell in love with Guernsey through visiting with my family and also through sailing round the coast on 'The Hungry Sailors' when we tucked into delicious local oysters and crab. The perspective from the sea is unique and from the rugged cliff tops to the sweeping sandy bays I was struck by the beauty and variety of the island. I am delighted to be helping to promote this destination and look forward to spending more time on the island."

Examples of the Tasty Walks are:

Witches, Castles and Famous French Writers, one hour, relaxed stroll with steep steps

The walk is based in Guernsey's capital, St. Peter Port and takes visitors from the waterfront, up the steep Arcade and Clifton Steps to the Mignot Plateau at the top of the town. The walk is a whistle stop tour of Guernsey's literary, mythical and military history with a visit to Victor Hugo's Hauteville House where he is believed to have written Les Misérables; to the imposing Castle Cornet on the waterfront and past areas where witchcraft was practised when it was prevalent in the late 15th century.

Nature's Pool and Smuggler's Hideout, takes three hours, suitable for experienced walkers

This is one of the most difficult walks in the audio series and should only be used by experienced walkers. The route travels across the jagged cliffs of the south coast passing La Prevôté Tower, a defence tower built by the Germans; Le Creux Mahié, the islands largest cave which is believed to have been used by smugglers and the Venus Pool, which is only visible at low tide. The audio suggests a swim in the pool for the brave! The walk ends at the Les Tielles viewpoint for panoramic views across the south coast cliffs.

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For further general information on Guernsey, please visit www.visitguernsey.com

For any press enquiries please contact Jules Ugo or Amelia Astley Birtwistle on firstname@lotus-uk.co.uk or call the office on 0207 953 7470.