Walk the Wight 2026 officially launches next week (Monday) – and the first 10 people to find Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s fundraising team at a secret location will walk away with a goodie bag to mark the occasion.
To celebrate the opening of sign-ups for this year’s iconic event, Ashleigh and Megan from Mountbatten’s fundraising team will be stationed at a mystery checkpoint along the main Walk the Wight route between 15:30 and 16:30 on Monday.
Clues to their exact location will be revealed on Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages on the day. Walkers who track them down can sign up on the spot and claim a goodie bag – with water bottles available for others who take part.
Sponsored by the Isle of Wight Festival and Red Funnel, Walk the Wight 2026 takes place on Sunday 10th May. Registration opens on Monday via www.mountbatten.org.uk/walkthewight2026.
Participants can choose from several walking options:
- The full 26.5-mile route from Bembridge to Alum Bay
- A half-route from Bembridge to Carisbrooke Castle (12 miles) or Carisbrooke to Alum Bay (14.5 miles)
- The Flat Walk from Sandown to Shide (8 miles)
- The Schools Walk, with pupils completing 22.5 miles in their own time plus the final 4 miles as a group
- Walk the Wight Your Way, with walkers choosing their own time and route
Entry costs £15 and includes a walker number, progress card, sponsorship form, fundraising page, and a commemorative medal awarded at the finish line. T-shirts, caps, socks, reusable bottles and dog bandanas are also available to purchase.
Mountbatten Isle of Wight CEO, Becky McGregor, has said:
“Walk the Wight is incredibly special for every single person who takes part. Everyone is walking for a different reason and each has a different story to tell.
Article continues below this advertisement “What unites us is the immeasurable difference Walk the Wight makes to Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
“Through your registration fee and the sponsorship you raise – whether that’s £15 or £1,000 – your incredible efforts help us continue to care for Islanders.”
Mountbatten provides 24/7 care to over 2,500 people every day across the Isle of Wight, including at home, in the inpatient unit and through day services. The charity must raise the majority of its funds independently.
Isle of Wight Festival organiser, John Giddings, has said:
“I’m a huge supporter of Mountbatten and the amazing work they do for the Isle of Wight. Having done Walk the Wight a few times, I’ve seen first-hand how the community comes together for this cause.”
Red Funnel CEO, Fran Collins, added:
“We’re proud to support Mountbatten Isle of Wight, and we thank everyone taking part in Walk the Wight to raise vital funds for such an important cause.
“This event is just one example of the Island at its best; friends, families and colleagues all pulling together so more people can receive compassionate care when it matters most.”
Walk the Wight raises over £500,000 each year for Mountbatten and brings together up to 10,000 walkers of all ages to cross the Isle of Wight in memory, celebration and community spirit.
