OUT & ABOUT
realised that the walk had
outgrown being able to be
managed by themselves. It
was then that a committee was
formed within the Hospice, to
manage all aspects of the walk
and the valuable services of
the Rotary club were enlisted
to run the marshalling. HF
Holidays and IW Radio have
also kindly come on board as
sponsors in latter years, along
with the original sponsor
Moreys.
Before Bill Bradley’s death
in 1999, at age 65, it was
his dream that 2000 walkers
would Walk the Wight in
the year 2000. This was
surpassed and the numbers
continue to grow each year.
By 2006, 5200 walkers took
part raising over £200,000.
Information obtained from
www.walkthewight.org.uk
life
Walk for a great cause
This year will be extra special
as the Isle of Wight Walking
Festival celebrates its 10th
year. The event, which takes
place from 3-18 May, is the
largest walking festival in the
UK and attracts people from
around the world.
Over the past decade,
numbers have risen
from 4,995 walkers
to 15,500. This year's
programme includes
more than 200
walks that have been
designed with families,
serious walkers and
the more senior in
mind. There are also
special events planned,
such as an evening of
magical adventure with
Ben Fogle, Ordnance
Survey and Rod
Newman-magician
and psychological
illusionist; mini-walking
festivals, including
Exploration Walks led by
one of the popular walk
leaders, and the Celebratory
Walking Weekend (24-27
October).
Walk the Wight
Walking undoubtedly raises
your spirits, but it can also
raise money, as Walk the
Wight, in aid of the Earl
Mountbatten Hospice, proves.
Last year, more than £200,000
was raised for the care of the
terminally ill on the Island.
There are three routes to
choose from: Bembridge to
Carisbrooke), Carisbrooke
to Alum Bay) or combine the
two in a walk from Bembridge
to Alum Bay. The event takes
place on Sunday 18 May.
For a registration form and
information tel 01983 528989
or visit www.walkthewight.org.
uk.
Island Life - www.isleofwight.net
Speed-Dating Walk
So successful that it has
already led to two weddings,
the Speed-Dating walk is a
chance for the unattached
to hook up with like-minded
souls. Participants have five
minutes to talk and walk with
a fellow rambler before the
whistle blows and it's time
to switch partners. The route
is approximately four miles
long, starting at Shanklin and
ending at a nice, romantic
pub. If you're lucky, you could
go from climbing stiles to
walking down the aisle. The
next walk is on Sunday 4 May.
To register, log on to www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
or email [email protected].
uk.
Green-contact her for details
on 01983 863763.
Singing Walks
New for this year ...
enjoy a sing-along as you
stroll along-"I love to go
a-wandering" and all that. The
challenge is to stay in tune as
well as on the trail.
Histree Walks
Two walks-the Nunwell
Histree Trail and the East
Cowes Histree Trail-take
in some of the biggest and
most magnificent trees on the
Island.
For further details on the Isle
of Wight Walking Festival, call
01983 203888.
Round the Island
Non-Stop Walk
You need to start early for
this 72-mile romp around the
coast, which is completed in
24 hours-rather less
than the usual four to
six days. Serious stuff
for seasoned walkers,
with views guaranteed
to take your breath
away, it is led by
walking legend