Walking festival to give Isle of Wight tourism autumn boost

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is returning in October.

The popular event, which sees thousands travel from across the UK and Europe to take part, will host up to 100 walks, led by enthusiastic guides, keen to share their love of the Isle of Wight and its beautiful scenery, history and natural environment.

From October 9 to 22, the festival promises to be a celebration of the great outdoors.

The Isle of Wight has long been recognised as an ideal destination for walking, with a large variety of routes for walkers of all abilities.

Read more: When walking festival was called off due to Covid-19

As well as having its UNESCO Biosphere classification, over 50 per cent of the IW is also classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), adding to the popularity of the destination which has long held a special place in the hearts of visitors.

Walkers can look forward to treks with themes and interests to suit everyone.

In past years the event has seen everything from wild hikes to a Dodgy Knee Walk.

Organised by Visit Isle of Wight, the festival is seen as a key part of the Island’s activity calendar.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival

Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight, said: "We’ve all spent so much of the last year and a half cooped up inside, now is the time to explore the Isle of Wight, accompanied by experienced and enthusiastic guides."

The October date for the festival has been welcomed as an extension to the traditional holiday season.

Will said: "Part of Visit Isle of Wight’s work is to encourage more visitors to enjoy the Island all year round, and why wouldn’t you want to come in the autumn?

‘The colour of the natural landscape is simply stunning, the weather refreshing and there are so many great places to stay and to enjoy the Isle of Wight’s famous hospitality.

New walks will be added to the website over the coming weeks, to find out more go to isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/