The Isle of Wight is a haven for hikers, walkers and wanderers alike, boasting miles of winding footpaths through beautiful countryside and along stunning heritage coastline, all part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 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 and through to strenuous walks for the more experienced hiker.
Take part with family, enjoy a stroll with friends, connect with new people in the great outdoors, while taking in numerous opportunities to learn something new about the Island’s history, reconnect with nature or discover that perfect photo that is around every bend on the path.
Rescheduled from the 2020 Walking Festival, a 50th Anniversary anecdotal walk celebrates the iconic 1970 Isle of Wight Festival where up to 600 000 people were estimated to attend. The circular route will visit the original Afton site, returning to view the permanent Isle of Wight Festival exhibition at the Dimbola Museum, where a life-size bronze statue of Jimi Hendrix can be found along with images from the 1970 event.
This year will see the return of the Mountbatten Walk The Wight, to it’s traditional place in the calendar. A popular and vital fundraising event for the Mountbatten Hospice, walkers can traverse the 26.5 mile course from Bembridge to Alum Bay, or choose to do the first half or second half only, with a third option of an 8 mile flat walk.
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.
Further walks will be added to the spring programme in the next few weeks.
See you on the footpaths!
Participants can enjoy a Nature’s Table walk with at a local reserve, exploring habitats and food sources for wildlife, or take on the three day walk around the Island – popping home each evening for food and some restful sleep!
With many walk leaders offering the experience for free, booking is essential and many of the walk are limited on numbers.