Get ready to explore the great outdoors at this year’s Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival, proudly sponsored by Outdooractive. We can’t wait to welcome individuals, families, and walking enthusiasts of all ages to discover the remarkable coastal paths, historic landscapes, and hidden gems throughout the Island.
With some exciting new routes and memorable experiences on offer, this year’s festival, taking place between 9th and 17th May, is designed to provide unforgettable experiences for everyone.
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival attracts significant interest from visitors wishing to experience all corners of the Island through guided walks. An additional set of walks has been announced, all led by knowledgeable volunteers and Island businesses who aim to showcase their favourite excursions.
Hover & Walk!
Kick-starting this year’s Festival will be the Hover & Walk – organised by Hovertravel. Start your journey at Hovertravel Ryde, where you’ll board a specially chartered hovercraft for an exclusive flight across the Solent to Seaview. Touching down at Salterns Slipway, you’ll step ashore and begin a scenic (mostly flat) coastal walk from Seaview, through to Appley, and back to the Hovertravel terminal in Ryde.
This one-of-a-kind event is more than just a walk – it’s a chance to make a difference. Participants are encouraged to raise funds with every step in support of Dementia UK and their incredible Admiral Nurses. Be quick, places are limited.
From the WEST END to WEST WIGHT
Sign up to a personal walk inspired by what Broadway and West End performer, Earl Carpenter, values most about the Isle of Wight – space, coastline, and the quiet moments that make the Island special.
A circular walk starting from Yarmouth, linking quiet inland paths with the dramatic ridge of Tennyson Down. Panoramic views stretch across the Channel and over Compton Bay, before a gentler return via Totland and Colwell Bay’s coastal path.
Hendrix in the West Wight
A firm favourite for Festival fans, this anecdotal circular-routed walk will take walkers to see the site of the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight Festival at Afton where Jimi Hendrix performed one of his last gigs. On return, the walk visits the permanent Isle of Wight festival exhibition at Dimbola Museum in Freshwater.
Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Visit Isle of Wight said:
“Our walk leaders have once again curated an outstanding selection of walks, encompassing history and geography, from brief strolls to journeys that traverse the entire Isle of Wight.
“We anticipate welcoming walkers from around the world to the Island.”
Other new additions include ‘Walk for Ukraine – a community walk of solidarity’ and ‘Newport Hidden Gems’. Spaces are still available on walks including a series of Charles Dickens-focused walks, a women’s only Half Needles Marathon walk, amongst many others.
To book your place on the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, head over to the website.
News shared by Zoe on behalf of Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Ed
