ONE MONTH TO GO!

With over 500 miles of footpaths cutting through beautiful countryside and along a breath-taking coastline, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to start your rambling adventure.

The one month countdown to the start of the spring Walking Festival has begun, an outdoor celebration of walking and nature set against the unique Island landscape – taking place 7th to 15th May 2022.

Organisers are pleased to offer over 60 bookable treks, most of them free, with new walks now live and suitable for all ages and abilities to enjoy. The Walking Festival’s guided routes, led by passionate walk leaders, take walkers off the beaten track across the Island to explore and discover new places on foot.

Sign up and take part.

From history and nature walks to storytelling walks for little ones, the week-long Walking Festival is set to enchant, enthral and get you exercising alongside like minded people in the great outdoors.

A new addition to the walks available is a fascinating historical and nature trek at Alverstone Mead, combining the tales of two kings and an almost queen with an opportunity to see the native red squirrels at the wetland nature reserve on this 5 mile walk.

Popular Isle of Wight story-teller Sue Bailey advises that children will need sharp eyes and keen ears to hear the clues in the stories she tells, as she leads a short, mile long search around the grounds of Northwood House to find the missing socks.

There’s a chance to explore ancient drovers routes, as the 5 mile Carisbrooke evening circular walk follows paths whose origins are lost in the distant past, made by farmers taking cattle from one place to another.

Ryde Carnival Association will be hosting an evening walk, taking on part of their summer carnival route, exploring the town’s royal connections – and popping in to a pub or two along the way!

The Isle of Wight Ramblers Association, the National Trust, local businesses and people are ready to show walkers their favourite routes, landmarks and views across the Island. Walks are categorised by pace and grade, allowing participants to choose between a gentle stroll or taking on a greater challenge.

For a more demanding walk, the ‘Two Saintly Lighthouses’ route offers spectacular views including the Mediaeval ‘Pepperpot’ lighthouse at a high level and the fully operational Victorian St Catherine’s lighthouse – at Niton Undercliff – at sea level.

For the ultimate in discovering the Island – and a real test of endurance – the famous Walk The Wight in aid of Mountbatten takes place on Sunday May 8.

The world-famous event is largest annual fundraiser for Mountbatten Hospice and is set to see thousands make their way from east to west, or take part in shorter walks, all raising valuable money for the charity and it’s vital work.

With one month to go, now is the time to plan your walking adventure on the Isle of Wight. All routes must be booked onto at isleofwightwalkingfestival.com.