The Isle of Wight Walking Festival Spring edition is set to return next month, with organisers promising a packed programme of scenic routes, unique experiences and new additions for 2026.
The popular event, sponsored by Outdooractive, will take place between 9th May and Saturday 17th May, welcoming walkers of all ages to explore the Isle of Wight’s coastline, countryside and historic locations.
The festival continues to attract strong interest from visitors keen to experience the Isle of Wight on foot, with a range of guided walks led by local volunteers and businesses. Organisers have now announced an additional selection of routes designed to showcase some of the Island’s most loved spots.
Among the highlights is the ‘Hover & Walk’ experience, organised by Hovertravel. Participants will begin at Ryde, boarding a specially chartered hovercraft across the Solent to Seaview before taking on a mostly flat coastal walk through Appley and back to Ryde. The event will also raise funds for Dementia UK, with walkers encouraged to support the charity through sponsorship. Spaces are limited.
A new walk inspired by West End performer Earl Carpenter will also feature, taking participants on a circular route from Yarmouth across Tennyson Down, offering panoramic views over the Channel and Compton Bay before returning via Totland and Colwell Bay.
Festival favourite ‘Hendrix in the West Wight’ is set to return, guiding walkers to the site of the iconic 1970 Isle of Wight Festival at Afton, where Jimi Hendrix performed one of his final shows. The route also includes a visit to the Isle of Wight Festival exhibition at Dimbola Museum in Freshwater.
Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Visit Isle of Wight, has said:
“Our walk leaders have once again curated an outstanding selection of walks, encompassing history and geography, from brief strolls to journeys that traverse the entire Isle of Wight.
Article continues below this advertisement “We anticipate welcoming walkers from around the world to our Island.”
Other new additions to this year’s programme include ‘Walk for Ukraine – a community walk of solidarity’ and ‘Newport Hidden Gems’. There are also spaces remaining on a number of themed walks, including those focusing on Charles Dickens and a women’s only Half Needles Marathon route.
Those wishing to take part can find more information and book online at www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.
