By Suzanne Whitewood.
It’s time to get those walking boots on again with the launch of this year’s Walking Festival.
This year’s Isle of Wight Walking festival will take place between the 5th - 20th of May and will feature a host of new walks, as well as a launch featuring a Chinese Walking Parade.
Starting at Wellington Road in Carisbrooke at 11am on the 5th of May, the parade will promenade through the streets to St Thomas’s Square in Newport for yet more entertainment and celebration.
Visit www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk for information on all of the walks and activities or pick up a booklet from Tourist Offices.
The longest of the walks will also commence on 5th May and conclude on the 6th. This walk will cover most of the Island’s coastal footpaths and last either 22 or 24 hours. Starting at 7.15.am at Sandown Pier, it is recommended only for the most fit of walkers. Also in the Sandown area the popular speed dating walk will be back this year, and there are a host of twilight or ghost walks.
On the 13th of May Walk the Wight takes place, covering a total of 26.5 miles from Bembridge to Alum Bay. In aid of the EM Hospice, this Marathon distance walk saw over 5000 people taking part last year. This walk takes in much of the Island’s natural beauty even if it is a bit crowded on the day.
Other highlights include Tiger Trail on 20th May at Sandown Zoo and discovery walks in the East Wight, Western Yar and the Tennyson Circle.
With dozens of walks to choose from there is sure to be something of interest for everyone, so make sure you are a part of this exciting Island event.