With over 500 miles of footpaths, cutting through beautiful countryside or along a breath-taking coastline, the Isle of Wight is the ideal place to start your rambling adventure.
Helping visitors explore that bit further, every year Visit Isle of Wight hosts their Walking Festival, as a celebration of walking and nature.
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is an event for keen hikers, relaxed wanderers, and curious explorers alike. Whether you enjoy a light stroll, are looking for your next heart-racing challenge or simply after a new destination to discover, take inspiration from the locals’ sharing their favourite routes.
There are two events this year, a spring festival in May and an autumn one in October, each spanning nine days with over 60 bookable treks.
The tours are guided by volunteer walk leaders from groups such as the Isle of Wight Ramblers Association, the National Trust and local businesses. There’s nothing these passionate Islanders couldn't - and wouldn't - tell you about their favourite routes, special viewpoints, cosy cafes or pubs, to sit back and relax with a drink to end a day on your feet.
Over 50% of the Isle of Wight is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is one of few places in the UK to gain UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status for its unspoiled landscape, clear waters and thriving wildlife, guaranteeing spectacular views and varied terrains wherever your adventure takes you.
In the spirit of walking, event organisers are encouraging sustainable travel where possible, encouraging walkers leave their car at home and use public transport to get to, from or around the Island. There are excellent rail links to the main crossing ports of Southampton, Portsmouth and Lymington with South Western Railway.
The festival has partnered with the local travel companies Red Funnel, Wightlink and Hovertravel to offer exclusive offers and discounts for journeying across the Solent.
If you can’t make it across for either of the events this year, the top tips and routes can be downloaded from the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website. isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
Come across anytime and walk the Island at your own leisurely – or speedy – pace. So go for the day or stay a while but be sure to make time to explore and enjoy some of the Island’s best springtime or autumn rambles.
All guided walks must be booked via isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk. The Spring festival is running from Saturday 13 – Sunday 21 May and the Autumn festival is running from Saturday 7 – Sunday 15 October.