Schools Walk The Wight Celebrates 20 Years This May

This year’s Schools Walk the Wight, sponsored by Rouse Financial Planning, marks its 20th anniversary.

Mountbatten Isle of Wight is inviting students, parents and teachers to sign up and join the fun.

The Schools Walk encourages children to stay active with their families in the lead-up to the big day, with every 30 minutes of activity counting as one Walk the Wight mile.

On Sunday 10 May, the final four-mile stretch begins at Freshwater Bay, featuring face-painting, warm-up sessions and a DJ from Hush Silent Disco to get walkers in the mood.

Participants will cross Tennyson Downs before finishing at Alum Bay to collect a commemorative birthday medal.

Schools also compete to raise funds for Mountbatten, with Carisbrooke Primary School topping the leader board in 2025 by raising nearly £3,436.

Last year’s Schools Walk raised a record-breaking £48,000.

Olivia Lewis-Marlton from Mountbatten said:

“It’s always a real honour to see families excited to take on their challenge.

"This year feels even more special as we celebrate two decades of supporting vital care for Island families.”

Walk the Wight 2026 also offers an accessible eight-mile route, two 13-mile halves, and the full 26.5-mile Main Walk. Sign up at mountbatten.org.uk/walkthewight2026.

Funds raised support Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s 24/7 care across the Island, including in-home care, the inpatient unit, and the John Cheverton Centre in Newport.

Around 85% of Mountbatten’s work takes place in the community, helping people through 70% of deaths on the Island.