The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is now in its twelfth year and promises 16 full days of walks and activities. The range of walks are suitable for all ages and abilities, and you can cover anything from a 72 mile adventure to a leisurely mile walk; and with over 300 walks to choose from, there is no excuse not to take part.
The Island has an acclaimed reputation as one of the best destinations in the UK for walking pursuits, and in 2009 became an award winning event by obtaining a GOLD CIPR Award for Best Event, and a SILVER Award for Tourism ExSELLence for Best Event.. Be it your first or twelfth year of participation, we promise you won’t be disappointed and we extend a warm welcome to regular and new walkers
Over half of the Island is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its 60 miles of dramatic and breathtaking Heritage Coastline, unspoilt countryside and over 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths; the Island has long been a source of inspiration to visitors.
For a taste of this, follow in the footsteps of the Poet Laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson along the 12 mile Tennyson Trail in the West Wight, or take a stroll in the stunning gardens of Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s much-loved and enchanting residence at East Cowes.
Join Martin Neville on Saturday 8th May for this epic journey. Numbers are limited and prior booking is essential, and only those who are deemed capable will be able to join the group (at the discretion of the Walk Leader). No walkers can join the group if they have not booked, paid and registered. Contact: Martin Neville Mob: 07510 510163 (after 5.00 pm)
10 - 13th May 2010
During the first week of the Walking Festival there will be a series of walks around the Island led by Jill Green one of the Islands walking personalities, giving you a chance to capture the entire coastal path at a brisk pace over a period of four days during the first week of the Walking Festival, all with varying lengths:-
Shanklin to Brook 20 miles
Brook to Yarmouth 13 miles
Yarmouth to Wootton 23 miles
Wootton – Shanklin 18 miles
Certificates and I.V.V. Stamps will be available for these walks.
If you’d like to take up the challenge in 2010 - contact Jill on 01983 863763. In the last 20 years Jill Green has clocked up an incredible 55,163 miles walking!!!! She has participated in 135 Non Stop Walking events - 55 of these Non Stop walks were 100 miles or more, 4 were an amazing 200 miles plus!!
14 - 17th May 2010 Join David Yates on the second week of the Festival over a four day period. Contact David on Tel: (01983) 854006 Day 1 - Ventnor to Wootton Bridge 21 miles Day 2 - Wooton Bridge to Colwell Bay 24 miles Day 3 - Colwell Bay to Grighstone 13 miles Day 4 - Brighstone to Ventnor 12 miles
17th – 21st May 2010 The Vectis Trail is a long distance figure of eight walk on the Isle of Wight devised by two members of the Ramblers in the late 1980s. As each stage is a linear walk, lead by members of the local Ramblers group, a public transport solution is proposed. Each stage will start and finish at Newport Bus Station with the times shown in the programme.
Alternatively walk around the Island’s Coastal path with Step by Step Walking Holidays, throughout the year - half-board en-suite accommodation, with six days of guided walking, transport to and from all walks. For more details contact Bill Grindley on (01983) 862403.
Although our Speed Dating walks create many matches - we can now boast three perfect matches resulting in three weddings! We give you the chance to meet the perfect person or just have a lot of fun with like-minded people.
Registration forms are available on www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk - plenty of spaces currently available but book early as spaced fill up fast! Age groups will be mixed, but it provides a great chance at the beginning and end of the walk to socialise and meet all walkers. The start and finish of the walk will be at the romantic location of the Fisherman’s Cottage Shanklin Esplanade. Stopping of for a light lunch afterwards giving you additional time to mix and mingle.
Walk through the darkened streets and passageways of old Newport – an exciting mystery tour with a difference.
Encounter the ghosts of Freshwater Bay and those as you walk through the site of the Royal National Hospital at Ventnor’s Botanic Gardens. Listen to the Yarmouth Yarns and hear the strange history of Old Yarmouth.
Take a short walk down to the haunted lighthouse to encounter ghostly stories. Your chance to gather with other curious souls to hear haunting tales of terror and torment relayed to you by a ghostly guide.
These are a series of ten walks designed to give a good all round overview of the Isle of Wight. They include some of the Island’s history, folklore and points of interest. Each walks is narrated by the guide. Two of the walks take the Ferry of the Island and are sponsored by Wightlink Ferries who kindly agreed to pay the walkers return fares.
With children in mind, every year we expand our series of children’s walks with the hope of encouraging parents to get their children walking at a young age. Not only is it a pastime which is entirely free – it’s a physical activity which is essential to a child’s development and growth. The earlier exercise is introduced into your child’s life, the greater the chance they will carry this pattern into adulthood. In 2009, in excess of 3,000 children took part in the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, which is extremely encouraging. Refer to the Walking Festival website or programme for full details.
www.step-by-step.co.uk
Take part in the 2010 Walking Festival, fill in your feedback form for the May 2010 Walking Festival for an opportunity to win a Weekend with Step by Step Walking Holidays. Winner will be notified after the 2010 Walking Festival and prior to the October 2010 Autumn Walking Weekend. (Please note that a cancellation fee will be incurred if room is booked and there is a no show). Fill in the Walking Festival Feedback Form (which is essential information for the growth of the event, and your comments and suggestions always welcome), and you will be in with a chance to win a "Weekend Break" with Step-by-Step Walking Holidays in Shanklin for three nights with breakfast.
Step-By-Step Walking Holidays Based in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, Step by Step Walking Holidays offer a blend of the Island's finest, most exhilarating walks and also provide you with great quality, en-suite accommodation in which to relax afterwards. Please visit the Hambledon Hotel website here for more info about your accommodation. Providing guided or unescorted walking holidays, Step by Step offers the walker many advantages. These include transport to and from walk locations and local knowledge, maps and guides for the Isle of Wight's finest walks. Whether you want the added enjoyment and interest provided by a local walk leader or the freedom to wander some of Britain's finest countryside, Step by Step Walking Holidays will provide you with a truly memorable walking holiday. Our aim is to enable individuals or groups with all levels of walking ability to enjoy the picturesque Isle of Wight, with its stunning coastline, downlands, woods and villages.
To enter: Sign up for the Isle of Wight Walking Festival Newsletter online www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk, and you will be entered into the competition which will be drawn during the Autumn Walking Weekend. Hi-Tec Boots
· Features
· V-Lite design & build technology
· Waterproof full grain leather upper
· ion-mask waterproof technology
· Fully gusseted leather tongue
· Soft padded leather collar
· Moisture wicking lining
· Rustproof hardware
· Comfort-Tec sockliner
· Stabila-Flex contoured bi-fit board
BridgeDale Comfort Trekker Socks
The Bridgedale Comfort Trekker Socks are designed for day-long protection and superior next-to-skin comfort, this style ensures a dry environment for comfortable and healthy feet. Bridgedale™ WoolFusion offers warmth, softness and ensures dry and comfortable feet. With WoolFusion and reinforced heel and toe areas.
Gelert Ascent Walking Poles Anti-shock walking poles suitable for use on most terrains and the ideal walking aid for those long days on the hills.
OS OL29 Landranger IOW Map with Aqua Tech
No more holes, no more soggy maps, the OS Map with the waterproof cover, and when it's not raining makes a very good picnic blanket!
S-Biner Hanging Storage
Store valuables (e.g. keys, compass, GPS Device) on one end then attach the other end to your tent, waterproof jacket or rucksack - either inside a pocket or on the outside for easy access.
Merino Wool Buff
Longer than Original Buff and made with 100% merino wool which feels silky smooth and soft on your skin. 8 natural colours for a fantastic look. Contact: Wight Cycle Hire: www.wightcyclehire.co.uk Tel: (01983) 753111
Wight Walks are offering a 6 night self led walking holiday for one person or 4 nights for 2 people, which could be taken any time of the year (subject to availability) and on any of their Island Walks. The value of this at 2010 prices would be approximately £500.00. Winner will be announced during the Autumn Walking Weekend. To enter: Where are Wight Walks located? Please email answer to: [email protected] www.wightwalks.co.uk Tel: (01983) 281662
The prize includes a 3 night guided walking holiday for 2 adults at Freshwater Bay. Including full board, en-suite accommodation (English breakfast, picnic lunch and three-course evening meal), a daily choice of guided walks and the services of HF Holidays' walk leaders. To enter: How many Country Houses around Britain do HF Holidays have? Sign up to H.F. Holidays newsletter on line and you will be entered into the competition. Email [email protected] Tel: 020 8732 1220 www.hfholidays.co.uk
Hanwag has an exceptional heritage; over 85 years of producing legendary, high quality footwear for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Traditional craftsmanship combined with technically advanced features form the core foundations of Hanwag’s extensive range. Quality is paramount and each Hanwag boot is backed by the quality assurance of European production. Hanwag boots fit like a second skin from the first moment you slip your feet into a pair.
We have a pair of Hanwag Bank GTX to give away worth £140.
Banks GTX
The Banks GTX is an exceptionally comfortable walking and hiking boot that looks great too. A great companion whilst walking the foothills, travelling or general outdoor use. The upper is a lightweight combination of water-resistant suede and rugged Cordura® nylon while the Gore-Tex® inner lining is completely waterproof and offers advanced breathability, avoiding discomfort. It features the Vibram® Ultra Grip sole which has a rounded heel and tip for an easy walking motion.
Comfort is increased thanks to the Air-Pulse-System where the air circulation is enhanced due to a pumping effect in the foam of the tongue and comfort is further promoted through additional shock absorption under the heel. These lightweight boots offer support and grip allowing you to focus on the beautiful scenery and not on your feet.
Hanwag has one of the most extensive specific women’s ranges available today; the Banks GTX is available in a female or male fit to ensure maximum comfort.
And the contact details to: Tel: 023 92528711 [email protected]
Actor, Author and Raconteur
Friday 21 May – Medina Theatre
The UK’s biggest walking festival returns in 2010 with one of the UK’s biggest personalities – Brian Blessed, who recently caused a sensation when he chaired the BBCs satirical news show, Have I Got News for You.
He left team captains, comedian Paul Merton and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop speechless, especially the hilarious story about his toilet drama at 26,000 feet while climbing Everest! He will be sharing his inspiring stories of ascending Mount Everest with visitors at a one-man show during the Isle of Wight Walking festival.
An Evening with Brian Blessed Friday 21 May 2010 at Medina Theatre, Newport
Tickets priced £17.50 (£15 Concessions)
Call Medina Theatre Box Office on 01983 527020 or book on-line at www.medinatheatre.co.uk
The 2010 Walking Festival programme will be available from10th February, if you would like a hard copy. In our effort to be “Green” we have had printed fewer programmes this year, and we will load it onto our website so you can select your preference of walks and print only pages which you require www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Autumn Walking Weekend 22 – 25 October 2010 Isle of Wight Walking Festival 7 – 22 May 2011
Isle of Wight Council:
www.iwight.com
Red Funnel
Wightlink
Columbia Sportswear
AONB
Hanwag
Country Walking
English Heritage
Isle of Wight County Press
Rights of Way
Ramblers Association
Natural England
National Trust
Walking the way to health initiative
Island 2000
Step by Step Walking Holidays
Liz Earle Beauty Co. Limited
Eat Natural
Wight Outdoors
H.F. Holidays
Wight Walks
Isle of Wight Radio
Southern Vectis
Quick Links The Isle of Wight Walking Festival website Why Walking is Good for You iwight.com's Review of the Walking Festival 2009 iwight.com's Review of the Walking Festival 2008 Cultural and Leisure ServicesWalk the Wight website iwight.com's Guide to Getting to the Isle of Wight