There’s just a few days to go before the Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival, celebrating 25 years in 2024.
This popular multi-award winning event takes place between 05-13 October and is organised by Visit Isle of Wight with support and funding by Island business Wight BID levy payers. Most walks are free to join and led by local volunteers with a passion for the Isle of Wight.
More routes have been added this year with up to 100 walks available to locals and visitors who wish to explore the Isle of Wight.
New walks cover a range of interests and opportunities for walkers of all ages keen to discover more about the Isle of Wight and its people.
The newly re-opened Appley Tower, a 19th Century folly perched just above the beach at Appley, Ryde, is the focus of a new route. Led by Rachael Ardley of the Appley Tower Heritage Project, this gentle 1.5 mile circular walk gives attendees the opportunity to discover the history behind the iconic landmark and visit an exhibition at the Tower. Climb to the top of the tower for views of Appley Beach and across to Portsmouth. (see above)
Local charity Wight Nature Fund will be leading walkers on a 4 mile walk at Yarmouth. This walk includes an exploration of Mill Copse, a stretch of partly ancient woodland on the banks of the River Yar, and managed by Wight Nature Fund.
There will be the opportunity to see how coppicing, completed in part with local students, is helping to regenerate the Mill Copse and provide a better habitation for local flora and fauna.
A 3 day walk relay will give a variety of opportunities to explore the east coast of the Isle of Wight. Totalling 26 miles, The Bay Relay walks are broken down to 6 shorter routes, where a community-created handmade silk flag forms the ‘baton’ which is carried along the way and passed from one stage to the next. This walk is supported by Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly IW AONB) as part of its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve ‘Get Out There!’ strategy.
If you enjoy the great outdoors this is an event you won’t want to miss. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the Isle of Wight is a haven for walkers, with over half of the island designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The island boasts 60 miles of stunning Heritage Coastline and more than 500 miles of well-maintained, signposted footpaths – making it a true walkers’ paradise.
The festival offers a diverse array of guided walks led by passionate local experts, who will take you to some of the Island’s most picturesque spots. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone. Many of the walks are free or ask for a small donation to support local charities, so it’s a fantastic way to give back while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. For those not living on the Island Red Funnel has special deals on travel. For event travel offers and to find out more, visit: https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-guide/things-to-do/special-events/autumn-walking-festival
For those who may want to enjoy more of the Island there will be a special Bus Rides Weekend.
12th – 13th October: Wightrider
Experience a nostalgic journey through time at Wightrider, organised by The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum. Perfect for travel enthusiasts and those looking for a unique day out, this event offers the chance to explore the Isle of Wight with free travel on vintage buses.
Relive the golden age of bus travel and support a cherished piece of the Island’s heritage.
For event travel offers and to find out more, visit: https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-guide/things-to-do/special-events/wightrider