The Isle of Wight Walking Festival opens its spring programme on 14 May, and if you have been meaning to use the island's footpaths as more than a shortcut between the car park and the beach, this is the nudge to actually do it. Over 60 guided walks run across the four-day spring edition, covering 500 miles of paths through the National Landscape, from bluebell woods inland to clifftop routes above the Solent.
Opening day tends to attract a mix of seasoned walkers and people doing their first guided outing of the year. The walks range from short, relaxed loops that work with young children to full coastal stretches that take most of the day. Each one is led by a local guide who knows the terrain, so you pick up the history and the landscape detail you miss when walking alone. Booking ahead is worth doing, as popular routes fill up quickly.
14 May has walks spread across the island, so there is no one fixed start point. Check the full programme on the festival website to find the route that fits your morning or afternoon. Browse more walking events on the Isle of Wight if you want to plan further walks across the season.
