A programme of 70 walks to suit all abilities, ages and tastes has been assembled for this year’s Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Weekend.
Organised by the Isle of Wight Council, the weekend festival between 26 and 29 October promotes a healthy way for residents and visitors to explore the Island and its comprehensive network of footpaths. 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. Councillor George Brown, cabinet member responsible for tourism, said: “Because of its varied geography and its comprehensive footpath network, the Island continues to be an extremely popular destination for walkers. “The council is delighted to organise this event as it provides both an excellent showcase for the Island and a high quality event at what is the low tourism season.” During the festival, you may be tempted to walk the coastal footpath over a period of three days, or join our local ramblers as they take you on journeys of mystery, intrigue and exploration as you traverse the Island’s countryside, woodland, pastures, meadows and footpaths of the Isle of Wight. Varied programme of walks The Island has a great array of wildlife and offers some great walks so you can get among the local habitats. Join the wetland walk, looking for watervoles and kingfishers, or head for Yarmouth Harbour to enjoy the estuary birds, or Culver Down for a bit of bird watching. For something a bit different visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for the haven hawk walk. If you have an interest in history you can head for the West Wight, and join in the fossil hunting walk, looking for dinosaur footprints, or walk in the footsteps of Robert Hooke, the 17th century scientist. You can also take a jaunt down memory lane and visit the site of the original Isle of Wight Festival at Afton, with its spectacular views of the Island. Not forgetting the children, you can join in our giant toddle walk, or encounter fields forest and graveyards with the Hallowe'en walk, or have a giggle and join in the singing walk, and bring along your own instruments, and you can even request your own songs. And for those walkers who would like to learn a bit of navigation, why not join in our walk and learn walks, where you will be instructed on how to use a map and compass. Looking for love If you are looking for love then join in our popular speed dating walk which to date boasts four weddings and a baby. All walks are led by our knowledgeable walk leaders. For full details log onto the website www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk To request a programme please email [email protected]
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