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TAKE A HIKE – THE ISLE OF WIGHT AUTUMN WALKING WEEKEND, 23 -26 OCTOBER 2009

With more than 60 themed and guided walks and 500 miles of Public Rights of Way through woods and meadows and around rivers and coastline, the Isle of Wight Walking Weekend (23 to 26 October 2009) is a great reason for visitors to take a hike this autumn.

The ‘Indian summer’ days of autumn, when the days are clear and sunny and the nights cool and crisp, provide an almost irresistible lure to those who enjoy the outdoors.  This type of weather is also the most favourable for a spectacular show of autumn colours which can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace during the Isle of Wight’s Autumn Walking Weekend.

Many of the walks taking place during the Isle of Wight Council-organised event are free and range from easy flat walking with no stiles to challenging slopes more suited to keen walkers and those who are reasonably active.   All are led by experienced volunteers whose walks are themed according to their particular passion, from Island history and wildlife to its folklore and natural history.   

New this year, the Darwin Celebration will take place around Sandown Bay near the villa in which he started to write ‘The Origin of Species’ published 150 years ago this year.  The bicentenary of Alfred Lord Tennyson also provides the opportunity to explore the landscapes that inspired the Victorian poet laureate during his stay on the Island.  

Food walks will also prove popular, including a Ventnor Wild Food Walk giving visitors the chance to find out about edible and useful plants, as well as the Bevois Tea Party, an afternoon stroll around the lovely south Wight countryside, returning to Bevois Farm for afternoon tea and cakes. 

For youngsters there are seaside story walks, duck-feeding walks and fossil-hunting walks with singing walks, meditation walks, ghost walks and the return of the popular speed-dating walk for the adults.  

Following the success of the Island’s annual walking festival that takes place in May, the Isle of Wight Council decided to pick some of the most popular walks and repeat them in October. The walks are led mainly by volunteers who do a brilliant job of sharing their love of the landscape with visitors.

Cllr George Brown, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for the economy, leisure, planning and property, said: “The Autumn Walking Weekend is an add-on to the hugely successful Isle of Wight Walking Festival held every May (8-23 May 2010).  Both events are organised by the Isle of Wight Council as part of its commitment to supporting the Island's tourism industry especially through events that encourage healthy activities and showcase the natural beauty the Island has to offer.  Since it began in 1999, the two-week Isle of Wight Walking Festival has become a major part of the Island’s festival calendar and has put the Island on the map as a serious walking destination.”

Some of the walks taking place during the Autumn Walking Weekend:

Manor Houses - Friday 23 October

An enchanting circular walk with sightings of four of the Island’s manor houses in and around the villages of Shorwell, Kingston and Billingham.  Start: 10.30am (duration 3 hours/6.5 miles).  Meet at Shorwell Shute (opposite Dell Footpath Centre).  Voluntary donation to Gift to Nature*.

A Fort Through Time – Friday 23 October

Take a walk around Fort Victoria and some of the surrounding Country Park to learn about its fascinating history and its role in the defence of Britain.  Start: 11am (durations 2 hours/1.5 miles).  Meet at Fort Victoria car park, Yarmouth.  Cost £2 per person to include refreshments.

St  Lawrence and the Undercliff – Saturday 24 October

View spectacular undercliff scenery from the coastal path.  Explore historic St Lawrence, its woods and holy well.  Plus a visit to Ventnor Botanic Garden.  Start: 10am (duration 3 hours/5 miles).  Meet at Ventnor Park – main entrance.  Voluntary donation to Gift to Nature*.

Hallowe’en Adventures - Saturday 24 October

A walk for kids and their families through night-time forest and churchyards, stopping for a feast with the bats of Parkhurst Forest!  Fancy dress (ghoulies and ghosties) optional.  Sausage, chips and a drink included.  Starts: 5.15pm.  (3 hours, 6 miles).  Meet at Carisbrooke High School, cost £3.50.  

Compton Bay and Brook Down – Sunday 25 October

A bracing but leisurely paced clifftop walk to Compton bay, then ascending Brook down before returning via Mottistone common to Brook village.  Start: 10am (duration 3.5 hours/5 miles).  Meet at National Trust car park on cliff-top south of Brook Village.  Free.

Parkhurst Forest Health Walk – Monday 26 October

A fairly gentle circular walk through Parkhurst Forest on gravel paths to enjoy the woodland wildlife – look out for the red squirrels – and occasional wooden sculptures.  Start: 10.45am (duration 2 hours, 4 miles).  Meet at Forest car park, Forest Road.

Visitors can view all the walks on-line at www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk and can also order the festival programme and book their accommodation.  The free programme is also available from Island tourist information centres.