Thanks to Hannah for sharing news of this inspiring walk. Fancy taking part? Ed
On Saturday 16th June, Ventnor author and walking guide David Yates will lead a group of walkers around the Island’s 77 mile coastal path in 24 hours to raise funds for Ventnor-based charity St Catherine’s.
David, the author of Beaches, Bars and Blisters of the Isle of Wight, has often led parties around the Island on seven- , three- , or two-day walks as part of the annual May and October Walking Festivals, but he has never had an opportunity to tackle the holy grail of Island walking – the 24 hour challenge.
An early start and long day
Taking advantage of one of the longest days of the year, David will set off in a clockwise direction from the Isle of Wight paddling pool in Ventnor seafront at 4.00 am and, walking at an average speed of 3.4mph (or a mile about every 19 minutes), hopes to return safely by at least the same time the following morning.
David would like to enlist a team of 20 walkers to join him and raise money via sponsorship for St Catherine’s, to support its work with children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs.
Get in touch to register interest
The walk is free to enrol and anyone interested in taking part should contact David on 07718 685936.
Anyone wishing to offer their support or encouragement can look out for the walkers as they try to meet the following gruelling schedule:
| LOCATION | MILE POINTS |
TARGET TIME |
| Ventnor Paddling Pool | – | 04:00 |
| Barrack Shute, Niton | 5.5 | 05:40 |
| Whale Chine | 10 | 07:10 |
| IOW Pearl Centre | 16 | 09:00 |
| Freshwater Bay | 22.5 | 11:00 |
| Alum Bay | 27 | 12:20 |
| Totland Pier | 29 | 13:00 |
| King’s Head, Yarmouth | 32 | 13:50 |
| New Inn, Shalfleet | 41 | 16:40 |
| Sportsman’s Rest, Porchfield | 45 | 18:00 |
| Thorness Bay Holiday Centre | 47 | 18:40 |
| Woodvale Hotel, Gurnard | 49.5 | 19:20 |
| Medina Ferry | 51.5 | 20:00 |
| Sloop Inn, Wootton Bridge | 56 | 21:20 |
| Ryde Pier | 59.5 | 22:30 |
| Old Fort Café, Seaview | 62.5 | 23:20 |
| Crab & Lobster, Bembridge | 67.5 | 01:00 |
| Yaverland Car Park | 71 | 02:00 |
| Steps, Shanklin Esplanade | 73.5 | 02:50 |
| Ventnor Paddling Pool | 77 | 04:00 |
