Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="995" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Walking-Festival-hill-view-min.jpg" alt="Isle of Wight group of walkers enjoying view Walking Festival" class="wp-image-30233" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Walking-Festival-hill-view-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Walking-Festival-hill-view-min-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Walking-Festival-hill-view-min-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Walking-Festival-hill-view-min-768x509.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Walking-Festival-hill-view-min-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Keen rambler or Sunday ambler, <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Isle of Wight Walking Festival</a> is a brilliant way to get out in the great outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside. On between Sat 13 and Sun 21 May 2023, there’s over 50 walks guided by knowledgeable local volunteers (so no fear of getting lost).</p>



<p>Always a popular, there’s loads of pre-bookable walks for Islanders and visitors to pick from. Some have sold out but go quick and take your pick of the many still remaining. Here are a few of our highlights:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walk-the-wight">Walk the Wight</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30234" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-Tourism-coastal-walker-min-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.mountbatten.org.uk/Listing/Category/wtw23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raising money for Mountbatten, the Island’s hospice</a> (and not for the fainthearted), this iconic 26.5 mile walk across the Island is the flagship event of the Spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival. The full coast-to-coast Mountbatten Walk stretches from Bembridge in the east to Alum Bay in the west. But if that all sound a bit much, you can register for eight-, 12.5- and 14-mile options instead. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min.jpg" alt="Group of walkers Isle of Wight views" class="wp-image-30238" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-min-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7 Wonders Walks</h2>



<p>Take a walk with two Shanklin friends, celebrating their 70th&nbsp;birthdays with the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Jacqui and Heather will walk around their &#8216;Seven wonders of the Isle of Wight&#8217; in seven days, covering an impressive 70 miles. Join them in <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/spring-walks/?date=20230513" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryde on Sat 13 May</a> (7 miles), at <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/7-wonders-the-needles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Needles on Mon 15 May</a> (10 miles), on <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/spring-walks/?date=20230516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Medina at Newport on Tues 16 May</a> (10 miles), in <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/7-wonders-cowes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowes on Wed 17 May</a> (11 miles), at <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/7-wonders-freshwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freshwater on Fri 19 May</a> (11 miles), <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/7-wonders-lake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">around East Wight and the ‘Lake with no Water’ on 20 May</a> (12 miles) and finishing at the beautiful <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/spring-walks/?date=20230521" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newtown Creek on Sunday 21 May</a> (9 miles). All the walks are free with donations welcome. The duo are hoping to raise £700 in aid of the renovation of the Grade 2 listed Shanklin Theatre.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coastal Colour</h2>



<p>Like to sketch or paint? Take an <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/arty-walk-with-lucia-para/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arty walk with Lucia Para</a> on Sat 13 May (£12.50). The visual artist and illustrator will lead a short half-mile walk along the coastal path around Ventnor, a perfect chance to see and sketch the stunning sea vistas and coastal colours here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roaming with the Romans</h2>



<p>History buffs will love this free, short scenic stroll up and down Brading Down Local Nature Reserve on Sat 13 May. Led by local expert Matthew Chatfield, the two-mile, family-friendly <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/roaming-with-the-romans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roaming with the Romans</a> walk will explore unusual industrial archaeology and follow in the footsteps of Roman farmers. Enjoy views of Sandown Bay and a brief stop at the entrance to Brading Roman Villa.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="996" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-hill-min.jpg" alt="Group of walkers climbing a hill, Isle of Wight Walking festival" class="wp-image-30235" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-hill-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-hill-min-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-hill-min-1000x664.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-hill-min-768x510.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Isle-of-Wight-walking-festival-hill-min-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eco Valley Trail</h2>



<p>An eco walk through farmland and downland with views over Arreton Valley, the five-mile <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/eco-valley-trail-15-may/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eco Valley Trail</a> on Monday 15 May explores Isle of Wight Green energy projects. It’ll be led by Naturezones Wildlife Education Trust’s Nordic Pole walking instructor. Follow along the remnants of an old historic trail seeing the remains of stone-made kerbstones before descending down to an old railway track and past the disused Blackwater station.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Local History and Squirrel Walk</h2>



<p>Another brilliant walk to learn about the Island’s colourful past, this free, seven-mile <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/local-history-and-squirrel-walk-15-may/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Local history and squirrel walk</a> beginning in Newchurch on Monday 15 May has lots of intriguing stories. Touch the artifacts of a queen who never was, hear about the two kings who wanted more. Oh, and there&#8217;s a hanged man and a kidnapper knight! Common in this area, there’s a good chance you could see cute red squirrels and their drays, too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1407" height="1590" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/isle-of-wight-walking-festival-family-min-1.jpg" alt="Family on a footpath Isle of Wight Walking Festival 2023" class="wp-image-30236" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/isle-of-wight-walking-festival-family-min-1.jpg 1407w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/isle-of-wight-walking-festival-family-min-1-708x800.jpg 708w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/isle-of-wight-walking-festival-family-min-1-885x1000.jpg 885w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/isle-of-wight-walking-festival-family-min-1-768x868.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/isle-of-wight-walking-festival-family-min-1-1359x1536.jpg 1359w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/isle-of-wight-walking-festival-family-min-1-465x525.jpg 465w" sizes="(max-width: 1407px) 100vw, 1407px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Devil and St. Boniface</h2>



<p>Taking in the atmospheric Bonchurch Landslip, the awesome Devil’s Chimney and St Boniface Down, the Island’s highest point in South Wight, the free, six-mile <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/the-devil-and-st-boniface-20-may/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devil and St. Boniface</a> circular walk on Sat 20 May offers up panoramic views. Soak them up before descending a dramatic valley into Victorian Ventnor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Orienteering Event</h2>



<p>Never got the Girl Scout badge? Here’s your chance to learn a new skill at this family-friendly <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/orienteering-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orienteering event</a> on Sun 21 May in the beautiful West Wight. Choose from one of four courses ranging from one mile up to 3.5 miles. If you&#8217;re skilled with a compass you&#8217;re free to make your own way, but there&#8217;s help and coaching on hand for beginners. (Adults £5/ Juniors £1/family group £6).</p>



<p><em>The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is on between Sat 13 and Sun 21 May 2023. Find the full list of walks at <a href="https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk</a>. For more information on the festival and other spring adventures on the Isle of Wight, visit <a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/seasonal/spring?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=spring_banner&amp;utm_campaign=Muddy+Stilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visitisleofwight.co.uk</a>.</em></p>


Highlights of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival

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