Bookings Open As Isle Of Wight Spring Walking Festival Launches

Bookings have opened for the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival, which returns in May with more than 70 guided walks across the Island.

The multi-award-winning event, organised by Visit Isle of Wight and sponsored by Outdooractive, will take place from 9–17 May, giving people the chance to explore the Isle of Wight’s countryside while enjoying the health benefits of walking.

Over the years, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival has attracted thousands of walkers keen to discover the Island’s landscapes, which form part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — one of only seven in the UK.

Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Visit Isle of Wight, says this year’s festival features a mix of popular routes and brand-new walks across the Isle of Wight.

Many of the walks are free, although participants are encouraged to consider donating to charities suggested by volunteer walk leaders.

Among the new additions is a self-guided art walk in Newport, linked to the National Gallery’s Art On Your Doorstep project.

The accessible one-mile trail features 18 life-size reproductions of famous paintings displayed around Newport town centre, its historic squares and the harbour.

Other walks across the Isle of Wight include an early-morning women-only walk at Newtown National Nature Reserve, giving participants the chance to experience the reserve at dawn.

History enthusiasts can also book a guided tour of Bembridge Fort on Culver Down, where local historians will explore the Victorian-era fort and its role during the Second World War.

For more experienced walkers, the festival will once again include the 72-mile challenge walk around the Isle of Wight, completed over 24 hours.

Families can also take part in shorter themed routes, including a storytelling walk in Brading, where participants are encouraged to wear odd socks.

Full details of all walks, along with travel offers and accommodation options on the Isle of Wight, are available on the festival website.