From coastal adventures and countryside trails to wildlife, history and walks after dark, 90 walks will give visitors plenty of reasons to explore the Isle of Wight this autumn.
Walks for all ages and abilities
The Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival returns from 3rd to 11th October 2026, offering walkers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to discover the Island’s landscapes, heritage and hidden stories on foot.
The multi-award-winning Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, is one of the UK’s longest-running walking festivals, celebrating its 27th anniversary this year. The autumn programme features 90 walks, ranging from shorter, relaxed strolls to longer hikes, alongside a variety of themed walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders.
Autumn provides a particularly special backdrop for exploring the Island, with changing colours, quieter countryside and dramatic coastal scenery offering a different perspective on the Isle of Wight.
Warrior, maritime tales and wildlife
Among the highlights this autumn is a return to the story of General Jack Seely and his famous war horse, Warrior, with a circular walk led by Seely’s great-great-nephew, Bob Seely. Taking place on the opening day of the festival, the walk explores the countryside associated with Warrior and his owner, combining the landscape with stories from the Seely family.
There are plenty of opportunities to discover the Island’s rich maritime and cultural heritage too. Walkers can explore the Cowes Maritime Heritage Trail, uncover the town’s ‘salty past’, or head across the River Medina to discover the maritime history of East Cowes.
The Island’s natural heritage features strongly throughout the programme. Walkers can explore the West Wight landscapes around Freshwater and the Freshwater Circle, discover the countryside around Tennyson Monument and The Needles, or join walks offering the chance to spot one of the Island’s elusive red squirrels.
For those with an interest in the Island’s history, there are also opportunities to discover the women of Bonchurch, explore Ryde’s historic streets and cemetery, learn about Fort Victoria and uncover archaeological stories at Culver Down.
Boosting the Island’s tourism season
With over half of the Isle of Wight designated as National Landscape, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and around 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths, the Island offers an exceptional setting for exploring on foot.
The festival, coordinated by Visit Isle of Wight and funded through the Wight BID, also plays an important role in extending the Island’s tourism season. It encourages visitors to experience the Isle of Wight outside the traditional summer months and supporting businesses across accommodation, hospitality, attractions and other areas of the visitor economy, with approximately 68% of registered walkers from the mainland and overseas.
The majority of festival walks are free to attend, with walks taking place across the island. Many routes can also be reached without a car, supporting the festival’s wider sustainability ambitions.
Wray: Something for everyone
Dominic Wray, interim CEO at Visit Isle of Wight, said,
“Autumn is such a wonderful time to explore the Isle of Wight, and with 91 walks taking place this year, there really is something for everyone.
“Whether you’re an experienced walker looking for a challenge, someone who enjoys a gentle countryside stroll or you simply want to discover more about the Island’s fascinating history, wildlife and landscapes, the Walking Festival is a fantastic way to experience the Isle of Wight from a different perspective.
“Our volunteer walk leaders bring an incredible depth of local knowledge, enthusiasm and stories to the festival, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who gives their time to make these walks possible.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors this October and encouraging people to pull on their walking boots and discover the Isle of Wight this autumn.”
How to book
With 90 walks taking place between 3rd to 11th October, walkers are encouraged to explore the programme and book their chosen walks in advance, with availability varying across the festival.
The full programme is available on the website.
News shared by Zoe on behalf of Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Ed
