May 9th – May 17th
May Walking Festival
An event for keen hikers, relaxed wanderers, and curious explorers alike, the festival is a friendly coming together in the great outdoors for all ages, offering a chance to meet new people, learn and discover the many wonders of the Wight.
With a plethora of routes on offer to suit all abilities, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is an inclusive event providing a guided tour through the Island’s varied landscape, thriving wildlife and rich heritage.
This friendly festival hosts a variety of walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders. You’ll easily find a walk that suits you – whether you’re looking for a shorter stroll or a day long hike across the Island. There will be themed walks too.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the island has routes that will suit you. Some information is below, but please visit the Walking Festival website here. We hope to see you on the trails. If you are searching for accommodation on the island, please click below for our special offers here at the Wighthill for the festival.
History of the Walking Festival
First set up in 1999 by the island’s council, it offered almost 40 walks and attracted 5000 walkers. However, in 2016, The Isle of Wight Council decided it could no longer operate the festival. The Island’s Destination Management organisation took over the festival’s running in 2017. With the help of local volunteers from island rambling groups, the Festival is as strong as ever, and the Summer and Autumn Walking Festivala are here to stay!
Did You Know?
More than half of the Isle of Wight is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And there are more than 500 miles of signposted and maintained footpaths. It has been well-documented that Alfred Lord Tennyson walked extensively on the island, and so too did Jimi Hendrix. A life-size bronze statue of Jimi is on display at Dimbola Lodge, Freshwater, celebrating his visit here. The southwest coast of the Island is one of the most important Dinosaur sites in Europe. And, if you take a stroll on Compton Beach, you can see dinosaur footprints.
Some Pics From Last Year
