Walking & Hiking on the Isle of Wight

No two days are the same when you walk the Isle of Wight’s 500 miles of well maintained and sign posted footpaths, from the spring of heather underfoot, to the squelching of rain battered mud; The summer’s collage of vibrant colour to the skeletal bleakness of winter. It comes as no surprise that more than half of the Island is officially recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty, when as a county it is home to one of the most geographically diverse landscapes in the UK.

Ancient woodland, rocky coves, beech woods, meadowland, conifer forests, open down land, sheer chalk cliffs, creeks, estuaries, saltwater marshes, 64 miles of walk-able coastline (30 miles of which is designated ‘heritage coastline’), kaleidoscopic sands and enchanted Chines all provide the magical home for the UK’s largest walking festival. From 7th to 22nd May the Isle of Wight Walking Festival hosts over 15,000 walkers from around the globe, who come to participate in over 160 guided walks suited to all ages and abilities.

Whether you wish to go ‘in quest’ on the ‘Holy Trail’ or pursue the adventure of a lifetime on the ‘Red Squirrel Safari’, there is a walk to accommodate every interest. On Sunday 15th May, right in the heart of the festival, 4000+ people partake in the annual ‘Walk the Wight’ charity event, which last year raised over £124,000 for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

There are many walking breaks available, offering everything from map guides through to you pack your suitcase and the rest is taken care of for you. The Wight Merit Hotel Group offers tailor-made walking packages for all abilities, you can simply stay at one of their quality hotels and choose your own walks, take-up a series of guided walks and even walk between hotels and have your baggage transferred for you! For those wanting to do something a little more independent choose your route and accommodation and use the Island’s Bag-Tag luggage transfer service to move your luggage between destinations, this is particularly useful for individuals or groups wishing to walk the Island’s dramatic 72 mile coastal trail. Finally all Green Island certified accommodation offers walker friendly services and many individual establishments offer various types of walking breaks. Please scan the Accommodation pages for something that meets your taste!

So, what will your great thought be? … Walk the Isle of Wight.

		Wight Walks Wight Walks offers a service ideal for people who love to explore a place under their own foot power. With walks covering the coastline, river routes and on the trail of the red squirrel, all of the hard work is done for you...
		Goodleaf Tree Climbing Goodleaf Recreational Tree Climbing offers you the opportunity to enjoy an exhilarating experience climbing ancient oak trees. Tree climbing is challenging and exciting. Making your way to the top of a 60ft tree gets you...

Isle of Wight Walking Links

Wight Merit Hotels - www.wight-hotels.co.uk
Walking Festival – www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
Walk the Wight – www.walkthewight.org.uk