This May sees the 19th year of the fantastic Walk the Wight fundraising event and organisers are appealing for those interested in taking part to register early this year.
In aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Walk the Wight is the largest charity walk in the South taking place on Sunday 17th May.
Last year over 8,400 people took part in the three Walks and raised over £350,000 towards the cost of caring for patients at the Isle of Wight Hospice.
Once again the three walks are offered as detailed below.
Main Walk the Wight over the Island’s beautiful hills
This Walk is predominantly along walking trails across including the Bembridge and Tennyson Trails
You have a choice of three distances:
* 26.5 miles – Bembridge to Needles Park (7-10 hours)
* 12.5 miles – Bembridge to Carisbrooke (3-5 hours)
* 14 miles – Carisbrooke to Needles Park (4-7 hours)
The Walk is marshalled and signed throughout and covered by St.John’s Ambulance teams. There are 6 toilet stops and 8 water points along the whole route.
STARTS
* Bembridge – Britten Norman Airport – 6.30 -8.15 am
* Carisbrooke – opposite Mountjoy, Whitcombe Road – 9-30 – noon.
FINISHES
* Carisbrooke – 11.30 am – 1.30 pm. Shuttle bus back to Newport
* Needles Park 2.30 – 6.00 pm Shuttle bus back to Yarmouth, Carisbrooke & Newport
Every walker who completes the Walk will receive a medal of achievement and grateful thanks.
The Flat Walk the Wight along cycle trails
Approximately 8 miles long from Sandown High School to Thompson’s Trees, Shide, Newport, mainly along flat cycle-tracks which used to be the old railway line. These are gravelled paths, suitable for robust wheelchairs and baby-buggies, but not motability scooters. The route will be signed, marshalled, the gates opened and has St.John’s Ambulance cover.
THE START
* By Sandown High School, Fairway, Sandown 9.30 -11.30 am
* Water, toilets and WTW tee-shirts available.
Remember – please be aware that other users including cyclists and horse-riders may be using the cycle-tracks. So look after children and please keep to the left of the path.
ACCESS ALONG THE ROUTE
* Lower Knighton after approx 2 miles. Water and pick-up point via farm track off Knighton Lane.
* Horringford after approx 31/2 miles. Water & toilets. Horringford Farm Shop (200 yards past cycle track traffic lights going towards Sandown). is open as a pick-up point and also Teas and refreshments.
* Merstone after 5 miles with food, refreshments, water & toilets and pick-up point.
* Blackwater Farm Shop, after 6 ¾ miles -water and pick-ups
FINISH
* Thompsons Trees, Shide Road, just outside Newport by National Tyre Service and Barley Mow pub. 11am – 4pm
* Toilets and toilets for the disabled, food and refreshments available
Schools Walk The Wight
The Schools Walk the Wight encourages school children to get fit and walk to and from school. As they complete each mile, they build up ‘virtual’ miles to complete the entire distance of Walk The Wight. Each child is given a map of the route and stickers to add to show their progress.
In 2008 52 schools took part and used the Walk as a teaching aid as well as encouraging fitness. Overall it raised over £21,000. Each receives a medal of achievement and a tee-shirt.
If they want, the children, with their parents, can then join the last 4 miles on the day, from Freshwater Bay to Needles Park.
Registration is through the coordinating teacher or parent at the school. There is more detailed Information for Schools, Parents and what to expect on the day.
For all walks advance registration is free but compulsory. You can register on-line or phone 01983 528989. Last registration date is 1st May 2009
