The annual Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Weekend promises to offer a wide range of walks again this year, from the serious to the silly.
The festival is held between 23rd and 26th October and has walks for all ages and abilities. These include strolls along the historic Tennyson Trail or through the grounds of Osborne House, to children’s walks such as walking with alpacas.
The weekend complements the annual Isle of Wight Walking festival held each May – the largest event of its kind in the UK – and seeks to bring visitors to the Island outside of the main tourism season.
For the serious walkers and fitness fanatics, there’s the challenging round the Island walk, which is spread over three days. The weekend would not be the same without the famous speed dating walk, while new events include a Tai Chi and Qigong walk in Godshill, which aims to promote coordination and control of the body and mind.
Being one the world’s best sites for fossils, there is a guided fossil hunting tour, and there is a dedicated event which takes you along some of the Island’s lesser known paths.
If you ever fancied yourself as a Miss Marple or Sherlock Holmes, there is a murder mystery walk taking place.
A full programme can be downloaded at www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.
Councillor Ian Stephens, Isle of Wight Council executive member responsible for tourism, said:
“The annual Walking Weekend attracts hundreds of participants and features dozens of walks.
“Our events team has again produced a huge variety of walks from the serious, to the silly to the unique for all ages. There really is something for everyone.”
A programme can also be picked up in council help centres and other local tourist attractions. Alternatively, to request a programme email [email protected].
Information is also available on the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/isleofwightwalkingfestival and using @IWWalkingFest on Twitter.
