There are just days to go until the start of the Spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival 2025 (10th-18th May), which sees an incredible showcase of new walks as well as popular routes.
The multi-award-winning Isle of Wight Walking Festival, proudly sponsored by Europe’s largest outdoor activity and tourism digital platform Outdooractive, is a popular event on the walking calendar and attracts visitors to the Island from across the UK and Europe.
Over 80 walks can be enjoyed, and while some routes are already at capacity, it is still possible to discover and book many others via the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website and make the most of the unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landscape of the Isle of Wight.
A particular favourite of the Isle of Wight Walking festival is part of the Warrior Trail, which takes in the countryside where the original ‘War Horse’ named Warrior spent his days with his owner General Jack Seely. The walk will be led by the General’s great great nephew, Bob Seely. The circular walk, which starts and finishes at the National Trust Car Park, Mottistone Gardens with non-seated stops where Bob shares stories of his family and the area.
Monday 12th May sees a most unusual event for a walking festival… Titled ‘A Sit Down Tour: The Dickens Family Holiday in Bonchurch, 1849’, where non-walkers – and walkers – can enjoy a new 6 miles Dickens Trail that takes starts in Shanklin and ends in Ventnor – without moving an inch!
Fitness fanatics who like to go that bit further could join the Instepp Resistance Walking group, where participants are given a pair of resistance walking bands to wear on the legs whilst walking 3 miles, certainly one for those that like an additional cardio and strengthening work out.
Celebrating 35 years, Walk The Wight is a charity event raises money for local hospice Mountbatten and takes place during the Spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival, with participants opting to walk half or the entire 26.5 miles across the Isle of Wight.
The Spring and Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festivals are organised by Visit Isle of Wight and only made possible through the Wight BID, bringing additional income outside of the traditional peak summer season, whilst highlighting the Island as one of the premier walking destinations in the UK and showcasing the incredible views, history and culture that visitors can enjoy.
To encourage the sustainability message of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, many of the walks start at or near bus routes and train stations.
Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability said:
“This year’s Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival is a fantastic opportunity to get out and enjoy the stunning scenery of our beautiful island, to leave the car behind and take in our history and the natural wonders of the Isle of Wight. My continued thanks to the army of volunteers and local businesses that make the festival a truly special event for everyone to enjoy.
“With over 1000 registered walkers signed up to take part in this year’s festival with 76% visiting from mainland UK and overseas, the year’s is shaping up to be another fantastic festival”.
With some walks fully booked and limited spaces available, people are being urged to book now to secure a place on their chosen walks during the festival.
