The Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival launched this week, with the first tranche of more than 70 walks ready to be booked.
The multi-award-winning event, sponsored by Outdooractive, takes place 9th to 17th May offering a great opportunity to see the beautiful Isle of Wight scenery while enjoying some exercise and feel the wellness benefits of walking, in the sunniest part of the UK!
Organised by Visit Isle of Wight, the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival, has attracted tens of thousands of keen walkers and hikers over the years, keen to explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only seven in the UK.
Speaking about the festival, Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Visit Isle of Wight said:
“This year we’ve got another fantastic line-up of walking routes on offer to suit every type of walker, from firm favourites to newly added routes. Many of the walks are free to enjoy, with volunteer walk leaders suggesting a charity that participants might like to donate to.
“I’m urging people to avoid disappointment and book early, as many walks have limited availability to join. Thank you to our official sponsors and walk leaders, who make this event a success year after year.”
New walks
One of the new walks for the Spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a self-guided walk centred around the National Gallery’s ‘Art On Your Doorstep’ experience is on offer in Newport.
The Isle of Wight is one of only four partners in the UK to host the trail, making it a rare opportunity to experience life size reproductions of world-famous paintings without travelling to London. The 1-mile route is accessible for all and features 18 artworks placed around the town centre, historic squares, alleyways and the harbourside.
Women-only
For the early risers, a women-only walk offers a serene and uplifting experience for women to meet and share a celebration of spring with a short walk around Newtown National Nature Reserve at the break of dawn, surrounded by the awakening sights and sounds of the natural world.
The three-mile route promises to be a fantastic to reconnect with nature in a relaxed and supportive space.
Explore Bembridge Fort
A rare opportunity to walk around and through the Palmerston era Bembridge Fort on Culver Down can be enjoyed by booking directly through the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival website.
Bembridge Fort has played vital roles in the security of the British Isles, including holding a very secret position in WW2. This walk, led by local historians Tim Wander and Ash Webb, provides an opportunity to learn about what went on. Visit the gunpowder magazine, officer quarters, caponiers, WW2 radar rooms, a visit to the dry ditch and around the gun mounts that surround the fort, all the while enjoying incredible 360 degree views of the Isle of Wight.
Around the Island
For those who like to stretch their legs, join the 72-mile, non-stop walk around the Isle of Wight, which takes place over 24 hours. The challenge is a popular choice among serious and experienced walkers.
Family walks
A 1.5 miles long, the much shorter story-telling walks are on offer for families with young children, including the One Sock Walk at Brading with local storyteller Sue Bailey – participants are advised to wear odd socks!
Find out more
For details on all the walks available, special offers including reduced cross-Solent ferry travel, places to stay and to eat, head to the website.
News shared by Simon on behalf of Visit Isle of Wight. Ed
