A brand new 6-mile walking trail celebrating Charles Dickens’ connection to the Isle of Wight has been officially launched, with 24 of the author’s descendants walking the route and unveiling a blue plaque at The Royal Hotel in Ventnor.
The Charles Dickens Trail, created by Isle of Wight Ramblers and Visit Isle of Wight, takes walkers on a scenic journey from Shanklin to Bonchurch, stopping at key locations linked to Dickens’ time on the Isle of Wight.
The author stayed at The Royal Hotel (then Fishers Hotel) in 1838 and spent 3 months living in Bonchurch in 1849, where he penned several chapters of David Copperfield.
Today’s launch was marked by a group walk involving 24 members of the Dickens family – the furthest travelling from Ireland and the closest from Gurnard. They arrived at The Royal Hotel at 11:15, where they were welcomed with tea and coffee, followed by speeches from Jacqueline Gazzard, the new High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, and David Howarth of Isle of Wight Ramblers.
David, who has previously been involved with the creation of the Warhorse and Tennyson Trails, has said this new Dickens Trail continues their mission of linking history, literature and walking.
The trail brochure has been sponsored by Southern Vectis, encouraging walkers to travel sustainably by bus. Audio clips along the trail, accessed via QR codes, feature Dickens’ own words read aloud by his descendants.
After the speeches, the group moved outside for the unveiling of a blue plaque marking Dickens’ stay at the hotel. The High Sheriff officially launched the trail at this moment, formally opening the route to the public just ahead of the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival (10th-18th May), where both scheduled walks on the Dickens Trail have already sold out.
The route, which includes the Isle of Wight’s highest point at St Boniface Down, is inspired by Dickens’ own words and footsteps. He was known for his love of walking, once writing:
“If I couldn’t walk fast and far, I should just explode!”
More information on the Charles Dickens Trail can be found at www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/walking/charles-dickens-trail
The Winterbourne Hotel is a great location.
A walk round Ventnor Cemetery holds a few Dickens secrets too. Some of the Bonchurch residents he based characters on are apparently buried there.