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WALKS:

First 50 walks released ahead of the October event!

The long-awaited Isle of Wight Walking Festival, which runs from October 9-22, has released its first 50 walks, to be enjoyed by all this autumn.

Boasting miles of winding footpaths through beautiful coast and countryside, the Isle of Wight is a haven for hikers, walkers and wanderers alike. Walk the Festival with family, take a stroll with friends, connect with new people in the great outdoors or reconnect with nature and learn about the Island’s thriving wildlife.

Working closely with the Isle of Wight Ramblers Association, the National Trust and a number of volunteer ‘Walk Leaders’, the walks are graded by pace; from gentle, to moderate through to strenuous walks for the more experienced hiker.

Ranging from the longest walks of 18.5 miles (‘Eastern Yar Source to Sea’ is split across two days) to the shortest (a discovery of rock pooling and fossil hunting at Fort Victoria), the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, organised by Visit Isle of Wight is a fantastic opportunity to get out and discover the majesty of the great outdoors in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Ian Griffiths, a walk leader and Chairman of Visit Isle of Wight said:

‘As the Chairman of Visit Isle of Wight which is organising the Walking Festival and as a walk leader, I am looking forward to welcoming people to join me and my fellow walk leaders to enjoy the Island’s scenery. There are so many spectacular walks, filled with adventure, history and fun so now is the time to start booking yours – and if you are ready for a longer challenge along some of the Isle of Wights river trails,  it would be great for you to join one of my walks, The Wroxhall Stream Trail, Scotchells Brook and Red Squirrel Trail or a walk over two days following the Eastern Yar river from it’s source to the sea!’

Walking groups are restricted in numbers and all walks must be booked on the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website in advance to avoid disappointment.

Over 100 walks will take place across the event. A further 50 walks will be shared with one month to go. For accommodation and travel offers for the event, go to: isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/offers/

Featured walks include: 

  • David Howarth of the Ramblers will lead a trail that takes in breathtaking views of one of the most recognizable landmarks in the UK, The Needles, and the opportunity to learn of shipwrecks, a murder and a top secret Government project…
  • Many favourite walks return, including part of the Warrior Trail, which takes in the countryside where the original ‘War Horse’ named Warrior spent his days with his owner General Jack Seely, the walk will be led by the General’s descendent, Isle of Wight Member of Parliament Bob Seely.
  • The National Trust will host a series of walks, from a ‘Wellbeing Walk’ across Ventnor Downs to a ‘Wintering Bird Walk’ at Newtown Creek. Natural Links will host educational and scenic walks through nature reserves and marshes and there’s an opportunity to learn more about the Island’s red squirrels with the ‘Wight Squirrel Project’.
  • Back by popular demand, the ‘Dodgy Knees Walk’ – billed as ‘a walk for those who like to walk on a level ground and enjoy the social aspects of walking, including a drink at the pub as a well-earned reward for all that effort’ – under the leadership of Sue Emmerson.
  • Casting a unique spell over the proceedings, the Hunters Moon Walk is a night- time five mile circular walk around the historic Carisbrooke Castle and the surrounding area, exploring ancient drovers routes. You will need to use all your senses – and bring a torch!
  • For something a little unusual, the 18-mile ‘Goatober walk’ (a new addition for 2021) is a circular walk, centred around the fast growing goat meat promoting movement held each October) that culminates in a tour of a goat farm and free goat hot dogs!
  • For those with a keen interest in history, walks include a tour of the landscape around a former Roman settlement from the Education Officer at Brading Roman Villa, and an exploration of the old Steam Railway line between Shanklin and Ventnor, led by experts from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. There’s also an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Queen Victoria through the coastal town of East Cowes to her seaside home from home at Osborne.