Friday 16 May is a full day in the spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival calendar, and this is often the day that catches people by surprise. The programme pulls together routes that don't turn up in standard guidebooks: a National Trust downland trek out to the Longstone megalith at Mottistone, a Bembridge Fort explore with a local historian, and a Grade 2 punk-history stroll around Ryde that traces the band's locations and lyrics through the streets.
These walks work well as a pair or a trio if you are spending a few days on the island. Most are between one and three hours, which leaves enough of the afternoon to follow one walk with another, or to eat something decent and let the legs recover. The Mottistone route in particular crosses open downland with long views out to the Needles and the Solent, the kind of afternoon that reminds you why people choose to live here.
Booking is required for most walks. A mix of paid and donation-based options. Walking on the Isle of Wight covers more of what the island offers once the festival is over.
