Autumn Isle Of Wight Walking Festival Dates Announced

The first set of walks have been released for the much-anticipated Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival.

The multi-award-winning Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival takes place 04-12 October, and with 60 walks already available to book, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Often topping the charts as one of the best walking destinations in the UK and one of only 7 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the country, the Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a celebration of everything the UK’s sunniest destination has to offer in October.

60 walks are currently available to book, with more on the way.

Themed walks including the natural world, spooky goings-on, history - from the Romans to World War 2 – and of course, the opportunity to just get out and experience the beauty of the Isle of Wight.

Organised by the Isle of Wight’s destination marketing organisation Visit Isle of Wight, the event is only made possible because of the support from the Wight BID.

Celebrating Roman heritage on the Isle of Wight and at nearly 27 miles, the Vectis Via Vado MMXXV is currently the longest walk on offer for the Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival.

Organisers are keen to stress that it can be broken down into much shorter routes as it makes its way from Royal Isle of Wight County Showground to Brading Roman Villa and back again.

The route is virtually flat and accessible for all, including wheelchair users.

Participants are even being encouraged to wear Roman fancy dress and change names for the day to reflect a name from 2000 years ago – puzzled bystanders might see a phalanx of Spartacus walking by!

An early morning circular walk is on offer, to follow the Caul Bourne stream starting from the idyllic Calbourne Mill, through the village of Newbridge and take in the far-reaching views of the west of the Isle of Wight along Quarry Lane.

A visit to Ryde by renowned playwright Oscar Wilde in 1884 is being celebrated with a theatrical walk, in association with Stonecrabs Theatre.

The mile-long walk, led by a character actor, will take a tour of Ryde’s Union Street and on to the recently refurbished Appley Tower.

Cross Solent ferry operators and local are offering discounts for travel, accommodation and more, with full details available on the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website.

Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability from Visit Isle of Wight, said:

"The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a firm favourite in the visitor’s calendar and we urge accommodation providers to let potential guests know that the Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival begins on 4 October and to book now!”

Booking via the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website is essential and many walks are free.

Some walk leaders may ask for a donation to their chosen charity, whilst some walks are fee based.

To book a place on the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival, go to: https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/