From the 10 – 18 May, the Isle of Wight will see the return of the Spring Walking Festival, with new walks introduced in addition to popular routes.
The Spring and Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festivals are organised by Visit Isle of Wight and bring additional visitation outside the traditional peak summer season. The festival highlights the Island as a walking destination in the UK and showcases the incredible views, history and culture that visitors can enjoy.
Over 80 walks can be enjoyed, and while some routes are at capacity, participants can find and book many others via the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website and make the most of the island’s unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landscape.
Some of the walks on offer include:
- 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 great great nephew, Bob Seely.
- A Sit Down Tour, The Dickens Family Holiday in Bonchurch, 1849, where non-walkers and walkers can enjoy a new six-mile Dickens Trail that takes starts in Shanklin and ends in Ventnor – without moving an inch.
- The Instepp Resistance Walking Group, where participants are given a pair of resistance walking bands to wear on the legs for a three-mile walk.
- Walk The Wight, which raises money for local hospice Mountbatten, with the option to walk half or the entire 26.5 miles across the Isle of Wight.
Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability said, “This year’s Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival is a fantastic opportunity to get out and enjoy the stunning scenery of our beautiful island, to leave the car behind and take in our history and the natural wonders of the Isle of Wight. My continued thanks to the army of volunteers and local businesses that make the festival a truly special event for everyone to enjoy. With over 1000 registered walkers signed up to take part in this year’s festival with 76% visiting from mainland UK and overseas, the year’s is shaping up to be another fantastic festival.”
With some walks fully booked and limited spaces available, the organisers encourage booking as soon as possible to secure a place on the walks during the festival.
For more information about the Isle of Wight visit www.visitisleofwight.co.uk
