Isle of Wight Walking

Isle of Wight Walking Festival 2009

Did you know that every May the Isle of Wight hosts the UK’s largest walking festival?

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is now in its eleventh year and as we reflect on our previous successes we look forward to more celebrations and welcoming back many of our dedicated walkers from all over Britain and indeed from around the globe.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival welcomes walkers from all around the globe (Image courtesy of Patrick Eden) The festival promises 16 full days of walks and activities and over 300 walks to choose from. The Island has an acclaimed reputation as one of the best destinations in the UK for walking pursuits and there is something for all ages and abilities. Be it your first or tenthyear of participation, we promise you won’t be disappointed and we extend a warm welcome to regular and new walkers.

Over half of the Island is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its 60 miles of dramatic and breathtaking Heritage Coastline, unspoilt countryside and over 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths; the Island has long been a source of inspiration to visitors.

For a taste of this, follow in the footsteps of the Poet Laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson along the 12 mile Tennyson Trail in the West Wight, or take a stroll in the stunning gardens of Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s much-loved and enchanting residence at East Cowes.

Launch Day

The Island has an acclaimed reputation as one of the best destinations in the UK for walking pursuits It’s “Hot Stuff” on the launch day of the eleventh Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Control the elemental force of fire! Walk over hot coals with bare feet! Brave the very hot embers through sheer will power and courage. Get dirty feet and smoky clothes!

Join us on Saturday evening on Newport Quay and watch those brave souls as they step onto 20 feet of hot coals.

The celebrations begin at 6.00pm when the atmosphere builds with the lighting of the fire. There will be music and entertainment at the Quay, whilst the Fire Walkers take part in the “Learn or Burn” fear buster seminar, which lasts for two hours (this is behind closed doors).

Aaron Isted International Illusionist will be performing “A Great Escape” – not to be missed.

If you are interested in taking part in this exhilarating walk and a chance to obtain sponsorship for our chosen charity – please call Tel: (01983) 823070 for walking pack and sponsorship form.

An Evening with Janet Street Porter and Support

The festival promises 16 full days of walks and activities and over 300 walks to choose from Janet Street Porter is a celebrity, journalist, television presenter and producer. Her distinctive south London accent has been a subject for comedians for many years.

Janet studied architecture and switched to journalism, becoming a Fleet Street columnist and fashion writer by the age of 21. For two years Janet was editor of The Independent on Sunday

Janet is now not only a Journalist but an experienced Broadcaster. She has appeared on numerous TV shows and has also presented a wide range of television series such as “Design Awards”, “Coast to Coast” and has been a travel writer for the Observer and the Mail on Sunday. She also made an appearance in “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here”!

Janet Street-Porter made her name as one of the most powerful and outspoken women in television, yet finds time to be Vice President of the Ramblers Association, making her evening a highlight of the Walking Festival.

Supporting Janet will be Jill Green (a local walking celebrity), an International Ultra Distance Race Walker, one of only 2 people in the world to have completed a centurion in all six countries where this race takes place. Amongst Jill’s many accomplishments, she has three times completed the famous Paris to Colmar walking race across France (210 miles non stop)!

For bookings contact:
Medina theatre on
(10983) 527020
Or book online at
www.medinatheatre.co.uk

This years Isle of Wight Walking Festival will be held from 9th-24th May 2009.

Walk the Wight 2009

Join the sponsored charity walk across the Island for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The walk this year takes place on Sunday 17th May 2009