The first set of walks have been released for the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival. Celebrating 25 years, the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival takes place from 5th to 13th October, with a range of new walks and favourites from years gone by. The Isle of Wight is regarded as one of the best walking destinations in the UK and celebrates UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, and the Autumn Walking Festival sees the UK’s sunniest place awash in colour as the season takes hold. Up to 50 walks are available to book from today, ranging from short distances such as 0.5 miles and longer ones for those who prefer to really stretch their legs. With a host of reasons to join a walk, including local history, flora and fauna or just to enjoy the views, the Autumn Walking Festival is the ideal opportunity to get out and enjoy the views. The event is only made possible because of the support from the Island’s destination marketing organisation Visit Isle of Wight through the Wight BID, and is backed by local tourism businesses. Celebrating 200 years of the RNLI in 2024, the very first walk of the Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a 17 mile trek, raising funds for the vital maritime charity. 
‘Joey’s Walk’ follows the story of ‘Joey’ Attrill, the coxswain of the Bembridge Lifeboat in 1888, when a ship had run aground on the south side of the Island. In the terrible conditions, the local lifeboat crews at Brook and Brighstone Lifeboats set out to rescue the crew. In a mission of support, Joey Attrill set out on foot and walked the 17 miles from Bembridge to Atherfield. When he reached the site of the wreck, he found an exhausted and shocked lifeboat crew, who had lost some of their own team trying to save the lives of those from the Sirenia. Joey and his companion joined in the efforts to save the remaining crew. The 17-mile walk will be led by former Bembridge RNLI coxswain Martin Woodward, who explains how this walk will be special:
“The walk goes through scenic Island countryside with a stop for lunch at an island pub and a short talk on the history of the shipwreck and rescue is given at the end of the walk.”
Recognising 25 years of the Walking Festival, the Isle of Wight Ramblers will be installing a new oak gate at Brighstone. The gate will replace a stile, making the route easier for those with some mobility problems. 
David Howarth, from the Isle of Wight Ramblers, explained why:
“We now have some 278 gates on the Island which have been funded by individuals providing commemorative gates. The IW Ramblers are providing gates to ensure that more people of all abilities can access our fantastic landscape and improve their health and well-being. “We enjoy working with Visit Isle of Wight in supporting this important event. It is a special occasion in reaching 25 years of festival walks.”
Local businesses and the cross Solent ferry operators are offering discounts for travel, accommodation and more, with full details available on the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website. Amy Summers from Visit Isle of Wight said:
“This festival is a firm favourite in the Island’s event calendar, and this is a testament to it celebrating 25 years. “The festival is organised and managed by Visit Isle of Wight to bring additional spending and extend the summer period. With 76% of visitors for the Spring event from the mainland and international destinations, it’s expected that the 2024 festivals will achieve over £750,000 of added economic spending. All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of volunteers and local businesses, and we have a programme of fantastic walks planned for the Autumn event for visitors to enjoy.”
Brading Roman Villa, on the east coast of the Isle of Wight, has launched a new nature trail, taking advantage of the beautiful and historic location around the perimeter of the Brading Roman Villa. With outstanding views, walkers are encouraged to follow the trail and explore the countryside, the local wildlife, wildflowers and grasses. Many of the walks are free to join, although booking is essential via the website. Some walk leaders may ask for a donation to their chosen charity, whilst a few walks are fee based. To book a place on the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival, go to: https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/
