The UK’s biggest walking festival returns next month – and celebrates its 15th anniversary.
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival takes place between May 4 and 19 and offers walkers the chance to explore more than 500 miles of paths in recognised Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Last year’s event saw 20,000 walking enthusiasts take part and this May, festivalgoers can chose from a number of walks that include:
For night owls: The Twilight Adventures walk is a six-mile, three-hour adventure across fields, forests and churchyards, ending with a full chip supper! Tickets cost £3 per walker and the walk takes place on Saturday May 4. A torch is needed.
Take on a challenge: Walk the Wight is a walk organised by Earl Mountbatten Hospice to raise much-needed funds for patient care. The 26.5 mile walk takes place on Sunday May 12. Beginning in Bembridge it takes in some of the Island’s most beautiful spots along the Tennyson Trail, before ending at the Needles at Alum Bay. Entrants must register at www.iwhospice.org by May 3.
For nature lovers: Take in the landscape of East Wight and explore the Wildlife Trust Reserves at Eaglehead, Knighton and Sandown with the Woods, Wetland and Water Walk. The eight-mile, five-hour walk is on Friday May 10 and people can join for a donation to the Wildlife Trust.
Bring the family: Fancy walking with alpacas? Enjoy a three-mile, 1.5 hour trek with these lovely animals, costing just £25 per alpaca, on Saturday May 4.
Ferry company Red Funnel is offering a number of breaks to coincide with the festival.
For the day… Take the kids for a day out on the Isle of Wight from just £18.65pp, including return vehicle ferry crossings with Red Funnel, plus tickets to Walking with Alpacas and Twilight Adventures. (Price based on a family of four, sharing one alpaca for the walk).
For a longer stay… A three-night stay in a double en suite room at The Ryedale Guest House costs from just £123pp, including return vehicle ferry crossings with Red Funnel, based on two sharing.
Click here to book with www.redfunnel.co.uk/walking
For more on the festival see www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
