With the warmer months fast approaching, it’s nearly time for the most famous walk of all on the Island – Walk the Wight. Walk the Wight raises money for the Isle of Wight’s only hospice, Mountbatten. Hose Rhodes Dickson has been a proud supporter of the event and Mountbatten for over 25 years.

For this instalment of our walking blog from our Newport branch, we take a look at the history of the walk and explore some other options for those that maybe don’t fancy the full challenge.

Walk the Wight was the brainchild of two locals, Bill Bradley and Frank Stevens back in 1998, starting out as a team-building exercise for a local joinery yard.

Now in its 33rd year, thousands of people take part each year, some running, some walking, some doing half and some even doing it in full army kit!

Traversing the Island from Bembridge to Alum Bay, the full walk is a whopping 26.5 miles. If that’s a bit too much, follow our Newport team’s suggestion and complete the second half which takes you on a beautifully scenic route from Carisbrooke Castle to The Needles.

You’ll find free parking and a shuttle bus service operating from IW College to get you to the start, and no, you don’t have to walk back! You’ll find a free bus service waiting for you upon completion.

The second half route takes in Rowridge, Mottistone, Brook, Freshwater Bay and finally, Alum Bay. It’s at Freshwater Bay where the real hard work kicks in, as what appears to look like a short distance to the finish line can be a bit of an optical illusion as more hills appear and the relatively short distance tends to take a lot longer than you think.

You’ll be rewarded with stunning coastal views across the western peninsular of the Isle of Wight, and a well-deserved downhill route to cross the finish line where a shiny medal is waiting for you at The Needles Landmark Attraction.

You can still sign up to take part here.