The Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival returns from 7-15 October 2023, featuring some old favourites and new unique routes. This popular event makes the most of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve that encompasses the entire island.
The majority of walks are led by local volunteers, keen to share their knowledge of a subject, or to just “show-off” their favourite walk on the Isle of Wight – and with limited spaces, booking is recommended. The festival’s website is now updated with the latest walks and booking information.
Charitable and historic walks
New for the 2023 autumn edition is a fundraiser for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA). The 5k “Dash in the Dark” aims to bring together attendees and supporters of the HIOWAA to raise much-needed funds for the charity which is credited with saving many lives on the island and across Hampshire. It costs £15,000 per day to run this vital service.
Also new this autumn is a unique opportunity to discover the history of Northwood House, its 23-acre estate and the Ward families’ part in the development of Cowes, followed by an access all areas house tour including tea and coffee. The £10 fee to join the walk will raise money for the charity Friends of Northwood House, who raise funds to keep the historic building open to the public.
Tim Wanders, an author, historian and walk leader, said: “The Isle of Wight has a truly amazing history, from Romans to radar stations, dinosaurs to great country mansions. The walking festival gives all the walk leaders a great opportunity to take tourists and islanders alike on new adventures, off the beaten track, and show them pieces of our incredible heritage and tell stories of ages past – all mixed with breathtaking views while proving that there is much more to see and do here than festivals and yacht racing.”
Ladies-only and litter-picking walks
A series of ladies-only walks first held during the spring walking festival in May has returned due to popular demand, including a walk over the route of the Isle of Wight half-marathon held in the west of the Island. Walk leader Rachel Richards said: “I’m delighted to be leading some more ladies-only walks as part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. The spring walks were very popular and introduced the social benefits of walking to a new audience.”
October’s schedule includes three new walks focusing on the environment, and the opportunity to join the growing trend of litter-picking walks. Local litter pickers Vectis Wombles will host a walk in the county town of Newport, a beach clean will be held by Planet Aware and there’s a litter pick in Sandown, with the Sandown Green Town Volunteers. Each walk will be an opportunity to join a group litter pick, with like-minded people who take time from their day to volunteer and keep the Isle of Wight as litter free as possible.
‘Goatober Walk’
The longest walk during this year’s autumn event is the “Goatober Walk”, an 18-mile circular walk from Kingston Smallholding Goat Farm, taking in a lunch stop at Isle of Wight Pearl and on completion of the walk, a tour of the farm and free goat hot dogs.
Amy Summers, sustainable travel, trade and exhibitions manager at Visit Isle of Wight, said: “It’s great that we have been able to launch the Autumn Walking Festival with a range of exciting new walks, alongside some firm favourites with walkers. This year we have also added the Dash in the Dark event to our programme of walks, which shows our commitment to supporting local charities. The walking festival is led by a group of dedicated, passionate volunteer walk leaders and my continued thanks to them for making the festival an award-winning event.”
See more information at isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk and visitisleofwight.co.uk