On Monday 26th January, be one of the first ten Walk the Wight 2026 walkers to find Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s fundraising team at a secret location and claim your goodie bag, helping us celebrate the launch of 2026’s iconic event.
Sponsored by the Isle of Wight Festival and Red Funnel, Walk the Wight 2026 returns on 10th May. Be there!
Goodie bags
To celebrate sign-ups going live, you’re challenged to be among the first ten people to find Ashleigh and Megan, from Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s fundraising team.
On Monday 26th January, between 3.30pm and 4.30pm, they will be waiting for you at one of our Walk the Wight check points, somewhere along the iconic main route.
To discover their exact location, visit Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages on the big day, and we will reveal all!
Find the team (they can help you sign up to Walk the Wight while you are there), and you could be handed a goodie bag! If you miss out, there are water bottles up for grabs, too.
How to sign up to Walk the Wight 2026
From Monday 26th January, sign up to take part in Walk the Wight 2026.
Choose to take on:
- The full 26.5 route (from Bembridge to Alum Bay).
- A half route (from Bembridge to Carisbrooke Castle (12 miles) or from Carisbrooke to Alum Bay (14.5 miles)).
- The Schools Walk (cover 22.5 miles when it suits you, by walking, running, skipping, cycling or however you choose to cover the distance, then join your school for the final four miles between Freshwater Bay and Alum Bay).
- The Flat Walk (eight miles, from Sandown to Shide).
- Walk the Wight Your Way (at a time and location to suit you).
Sign up costs £15 per person and guarantees:
- Entry to your chosen walking route.
- Your event pack, walker number, sponsorship form, fundraising page and progress card.
- A commemorative medal, awarded at the finish line.
When you sign up, you can also purchase your Walk the Wight T-shirt (£10), Walk the Wight cap (£15), Mountbatten socks (£7.50), reusable water bottle (£12) and/or dog bandana (£5).
About Walk the Wight
Established by Bill Bradley and Frank Stevens in 1991, Walk the Wight has grown into one of the Island’s favourite events. Annually raising over £500,000, the award-winning Walk the Wight unites up to ten thousand people.
Soaking up the glorious Isle of Wight countryside, walkers remember loved-ones, make memories and enjoy the community-focussed atmosphere.
Through registration and sponsorship, Walk the Wight raises funds for the Island’s only hospice.
About Mountbatten Isle of Wight
Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s compassionate staff provide 24/7 support to over 2,500 people every single day — those dealing with death and dying and bereavement, and their families. 85 per cent of this care is delivered in homes across the Island. In addition, Mountbatten Isle of Wight supports Islanders through day services and outpatients groups at the John Cheverton Centre community space, and also on its inpatient unit.
Walk the Wight 2026, which has won gold three years running at the Red Funnel Awards, is sponsored by both the Isle of Wight Festival and the Isle of Wight ferry firm.
“Incredibly special”
Mountbatten CEO, Becky McGregor, said,
“Walk the Wight is incredibly special for every single person who takes part. Everyone is walking for a different reason and each has a different story to tell. Maybe you are challenging yourself, heading out on an adventure with friends and colleagues, walking with your school, or taking part in Walk the Wight in memory of a loved-one?
“What unites us is the immeasurable difference Walk the Wight makes to Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
“Through your registration fee and the sponsorship you raise — whether that’s £15 or £1,000 — your incredible efforts help us continue to care for Islanders.
“Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s expert care touches 70 per cent of people who die on the Island.
“Help us make sure that continues for those who need us in future. Sign up today to be part of something so very special — and thank you!”
Giddings: It’s a vital charity that relies on our support
Isle of Wight Festival Director, Caroline Giddings, said,
“I’m a huge supporter of Mountbatten and the amazing work they do for the Isle of Wight. Having done Walk the Wight a few times, I’ve seen firsthand how the community comes together for this cause.
“It’s a vital charity that relies on our support. I’m honoured to help keep their essential services going, and proud to have their presence at our festival.”
Collins: This event is just one example of the Island at its best
Red Funnel CEO, Fran Collins, said,
“We’re proud to support Mountbatten Isle of Wight, and we thank everyone taking part in Walk the Wight to raise vital funds for such an important cause.
“This event is just one example of the Island at its best; friends, families and colleagues all pulling together so more people can receive compassionate care when it matters most.
“Red Funnel has deep roots in this community and we’re delighted to play our part again this year, helping to raise vital funds for hospice services across the Island.”
News shared by Lucy on behalf of Mountbatten. Ed
