ISLE OF WIGHT WALKING FESTIVAL RETURNS A WEEK TODAY FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with the launch of the Spring Walking Festival next Saturday (11th May), which continues through until 19th May. The popular event sees over a thousand walkers join local volunteers on walks across the unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landscape of the Isle of Wight. Over 70 walks are on offer this year, and although many are already fully booked, there are still plenty of opportunities for those who like to get out and explore in the company of passionate walk leaders. A walk that promises a journey through the solar system which represents 3,666,000,000 miles but is, in fact, approximately 1 mile, is on offer from local man Stokey Woodall. The circular walk in the southern town of Ventnor takes participants on a planetary educational experience whilst keeping both feet safely on terra firma, culminating in the opportunity to enjoy sandwiches and cakes on the terrace of the Wellington Hotel, with breath-taking views sea views of the English Channel, while soaking up the Mediterranean vibe of Ventnor Esplanade. The ‘Walk Through The Heavens’ is available every day of the 9-day Spring Walking Festival. Tackling the environmental impact of humans is highlighted in the 2.5 mile Sandown Litter Pick Walk, a mainly flat walk the will make its way through Sandown and along the famous seafront, taking place on Saturday 11th May. Or if you’re looking to explore the environment and support a local charity, why not join in the Project Seagrass fragment walk in Seaview on Tuesday 14th or Wednesday 15th May. Nature lovers will be bowled over the by offer of a walk coupled with a feeding experience at Nettlecombe in Whitwell on 14th May. Join the farm’s animal keeper Tallulah, as you take a slow paced walk during feeding time for many of the inhabitants, including sheep, goats, alpacas and donkeys. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, the Isle of Wight Ramblers are hosting a Walking Festival Silver Anniversary Long Distance Ramble, a circular route taking in 25km of the Island’s stunning rural and coastal landscapes. The walk, on Sunday 19th May, will be a fitting end to the Festival.