The Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival has been hailed a success by organisers Visit Isle of Wight, as more than a thousand people took part in walks hosted by local volunteers, proud and keen to show off where they live.
The nine-day event saw a total of 68 walks organised by 36 volunteer walk leaders, criss-crossing 334 miles of the Island, highlighting its beauty in Spring to over 1,000 people.
The festival, organised by Visit Isle of Wight, is to primarily encourage ‘shoulder season’ visitors, outside of the traditional busy summer holiday period and saw 44 per cent of participants from off the Island take part.
Furthest visitor taking part
Perhaps travelling the furthest distance from America, was New York pianist and composer Seth Weinstein, who has a personal project to walk around 26 islands, each one starting by a letter of the alphabet.
He had already completed nine island walks, traveling all over the world and decided that the Isle of Wight (W) was the right size for his project – and after finding the Isle of Wight Walking Festival Website, decided to join in the fun!
Walk The Wight
This year’s Walk The Wight took place during the Spring Walking Festival and Visit Isle of Wight worked with Mountbatten to promote the popular event, which raises much needed funds for the hospice.
The Mountbatten Walk The Wight was the longest ‘day’ walk covering 26.5 miles, while the longest continuous walk was 3 consecutive days, around the 72 miles of the Island, led by local long distance walker David Yates.
Howarth: Thanks to walk leaders and volunteers
David Howarth of the Isle of Wight Ramblers Association passed his thanks on to those involved, said,
“I’d like to thank all the volunteer walk leaders and, of course, everyone who took part in the Spring Walking Festival to make it such a success.
“Now it is time to look forward to what I’m sure will be a fantastic Autumn Walking Festival in October!”
Planning for autumn event
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival team are now looking to this year’s autumn event between 8th-16th October. It promises to be another popular event, with enquiries already coming in as to what walks will be on offer.
A full list of walks will be announced by Visit Isle of Wight later this year.
News shared by Simon on behalf of Visit Isle of Wight. Ed
Image: © Leon Butler
