This year's speed-dating walk (May 2006) attracted singletons from all corners of the country and several ‘matches' were made. It is hoped that the addition of dogs will help break the ice with the dogs playing the part of cupid as their leads intertwine with their fellow muts. The walk starts at River Road car park, Yarmouth - 2 minutes walk from Wightlink's Yarmouth ferry terminal (ex Lymington) - at 11am on Sunday 6 May and follows the flat, quiet waterside route of the River Yar estuary, lasting around two hours.

Scientific research shows that walking the dog increases your chances of meeting other people by 1000% regardless of how the owner looks, according to June McNicholas, a Health Psychologist at Warwick University. Indeed, Celebrity Big Brother presenter, Davina McCall, met her husband Matthew Robertson while out walking her dog and there is even a best-selling book, The Dog Owner's Guide to Dating by Deborah Wood, that reveals the secrets of dog-based dating - and helps single dog owners find the perfect match.

For those who seek scientific proof, participants in a study carried out by the University of Portsmouth, reported a better overall sense of well-being because dog-walking resulted in socialising with other like-minded people, leaving them feeling happier. For those who aren't worried about the science, but just want to take in the beautiful scenery on the Isle of Wight and combine a healthy walk with a possible encounter with the person of their dreams, they need to head to the Island.

‘Doggy Paddle' is not necessary when crossing the Solent since ferry operator Wightlink will carry your dog for free on both its car and passenger routes (0870 582 7744, http://www.wightlink.co.uk/). Red Funnel charges just £5 on their Red Jet passenger service and nothing on the car ferry (0870 8898, http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/). Isle of Wight Tourism's website (http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/) offers a choice of 100 ‘dog friendly' accommodation providers including The Dog House an ETC 4-diamond rated B&B in East Cowes (tel.01983 293677) which is walking distance from Red Funnel's East Cowes ferry terminal (ex Southampton).

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is the biggest event of its kind in the UK with 200 walks (approx 72,000 miles) held over two-weeks and distances/themes to suit all. It started in 1999 and has grown in popularity from around 5000 to 15,500 participants.

A complete programme of walks will be available on the website (http://www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/) or the festival programme from March 2007.

Here are few of the doggies heading for the festival...

Bonnie (Princess to her friends)

This fun-loving Pedigree West Highland Terrier, Bonnie, is 4 years old. Bonnie enjoys chasing seagulls while taking her human (Louisa, aged 27) on long coastal walks with the wind in her fur. A true princess, she loves nothing better than being pampered at her favourite pooch parlour.

Terrence (Tel to his friends)

This Staffordshire Bull Terrier, aged 8, lives up to his Taurean reputation. His human (Joe, aged 24) said: ‘Tel can be wonderfully romantic and thoughtful and just like me, once smitten, remains committed to a cause or person forever'.