THE popular annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival is back for nine days of adventure, starting today (Saturday, October 5).

The event will run until October 13, offering a variety of guided walks.

The festival caters to all levels of walkers, from those looking for a gentle stroll to those seeking more challenging hikes.

More than 100 walks are available across the Island, with some new additions for autumn 2024.

These include the five-mile Wildheart Animal Sanctuary’s Culver Down Circular, the 4.5-mile Afton Marsh and Golden Hill Country Park walk, with Gift to Nature, and the four-mile Yarmouth and Mill Copse stroll, by Wight Nature Fund.

How to get yourself on one of festival's many great walks

To book a walk please follow this LINK.

For those looking for a challenge, there is the 18-mile North to South Trek, from Egypt Point in Cowes to St Catherine’s Lighthouse.

Alternatively, walkers can join Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley for a leisurely stroll along Cowes seafront.

Read more: Isle of Wight Walking Festival to return in October 2024

The festival also features guided walks around the Island’s towns and villages, including The Lost Crypt Walk and Walk on the Wilde Side, both in Ryde, as well as the Newport Volunteer Walk; Historic Carisbrooke to Newport Minster; Meanders with Malcolm in Yarmouth; and a series of Dickens-themed walks in Bonchurch.

For those interested in wildlife, there are short walks around Naturezones’ Nature’s Table, and Nettlecombe Farm’s family-friendly animal feeding walk.

A Walk Through the Heavens offers a virtual Solar System walk, while the Friends of Northwood Cemetery lead a gentle stroll through history.

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There is also the opportunity to join Planet Aware on a beach walk, in search of the elusive nurdle (plastic pellet), or to walk in the footsteps of Roman farmers on the Brading Down Pits and Paths route.

Amy Summers, sustainable travel, trade, and exhibitions manager at Visit Isle of Wight, said: "We’re already seeing record-breaking figures from registered walkers — and those coming over from the mainland and overseas to join us.

"I’m really looking forward to the event starting next week and my continued thanks to all the volunteer walk leaders, businesses and transport providers for their support."

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is organised by Visit Isle of Wight, with support and funding from island business Wight BID levy payers.