24 Hour Round the Island Walk In Aid Of St Catherine’s

Thanks to Hannah for sharing news of this inspiring walk. Fancy taking part? Ed

David Yates: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