With just one month to go before the start of the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival, organisers have announced a raft of new walks for all ages to enjoy.
From history and nature walks to story telling walks for little ones, the week-long Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival is set to enchant, enthrall and exercise between 7th and 15th May.
Historical and nature trek
A new addition to the walks available is a fascinating historical and nature trek at Alverstone Mead, combining the tales of two kings and an almost queen with an opportunity to see squirrels at the wetland nature reserve on this five mile walk.
Children’s storyteller
Popular Isle of Wight story-teller Sue Bailey advises that children will need sharp eyes and keen ears to hear the clues in the stories she tells, as she leads a short, mile long search around the grounds of Northwood House to find the missing socks.
In the footsteps of ancient drovers
There’s a chance to explore ancient drovers routes, as the five mile Carisbrooke evening circular walk follows paths whose origins are lost in the distant past, made by farmers taking cattle from one place to another.
Carnival walk
Ryde Carnival Association will be hosting an evening walk, taking on part of their summer carnival route, exploring the town’s royal connections – and popping in to a pub or two along the way!
Walks are categorised by pace and grade, allowing participants to choose between something gentle, or walks that present a greater challenge.
Back of the Wight
For a more demanding walk, the Two Saintly Lighthouses is perfect, with the chance to learn more about the Pepperpot (St Catherine’s Oratory) and St Catherine’s lighthouse at Niton Undercliff, in the company of a former tour guide from the Victorian landmark.
Walk the Wight
For the ultimate in discovering the Island, the iconic Walk The Wight in aid of Mountbatten takes place on Sunday 8th May.
The world-famous
event is largest annual fundraiser for Mountbatten Hospice and is set
to see thousands make their way from east to west, or take part in
shorter walks, all raising valuable money for the charity and it’s
vital work.
Booking essential
With many of the walks free to join, booking is essential as numbers for each event are limited.
David Howarth is from the Isle of Wight Ramblers Association,
“They say the Isle of Wight is like a little bit of England the whole way round. Whichever way you go there’s completely different aspects!
“The Walking Festival is a terrific way to learn so much more about the Island, the guides are so knowledgeable, and they are willing to share that knowledge with you!”
To find out more, visit the Website.
News shared by Simon on behalf of Visit Isle of Wight. Ed
Image: © Visit Isle of Wight
