The Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society (IOMNHAS) continues its summer programme of excursions this weekend with a walk exploring the forts of the island’s south coast.

The walk on Saturday (September 9) will be led by the society’s current vice-president, the Manx National Heritage curator of field archaeology and inspector of ancient monuments Andrew Johnson, and will take a look at the following questions: How many promontory forts are there along the south coast of the island? Who were they built for - and why? How were they accessed from the land and the sea?

Those joining Andrew on this excursion are recommended to wear walking boots as the route will be along public footpaths and the Raad ny Foillan coastal footpath.

Participants should meet up at 2pm on Saturday near Meary Veg at map reference SC330713.

For more information contact IOMNHAS excursions secretary Patricia Newton on 861560 or 366269 or email her at [email protected]

Next month, Patricia herself will be leading a walk entitled ’Michael Landscape’ on Saturday, October 7, as part of the island’s Heritage Open Days programme. This walk will visit one of the island’s lesser-known valley landscapes, mine and quarry workings, a reservoir, traditional farms may all be explored.

For further details of this two-hour walk, for which booking is required, see the Isle of Man Heritage Open Days programme at http://manxnationalheritage.im/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/HOD-Programme-2017-FINAL.pdf

On the website you can follow a link to book via Eventbrite or, alternatively, email [email protected]

October will also see the IOMNHAS winter programme of lectures beginning on Saturday, October 21, with Dr Sarah Thomas visiting the island to speak on the topic of ’Gaels, Manxmen and Englishmen: the identities and career paths of the medieval bishops of Sodor’.

For further details about the IOMNHAS, and on how to become a member, see the website www.manxantiquarians.com