https://www.wight-walks.co.uk Walking and cycling holidays on the Isle of Wight https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/images/wightwanders.png https://www.wight-walks.co.uk https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-112_Forest-Bathing.php Forest Bathing the therapeutic power of the forest The Japanese Roots of the latest wellness therapy Shinrin Yoku is a Japanese term and means, taking in the atmosphere of the forest or Forest Bathing Developed in the 1980s and now become a cornerstone of Japanese health and healing after surgery ... blog Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:04:43 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-108_Cycling-Video.php Cowes week has is now under way and we have produced a short cycling holiday video which will be shown throught the week. news Tue, 05 Aug 2014 16:17:27 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-107_Michael-Littlechild-Charity-walk-for-the-Limbless-Association.php We met some wonderful people this year many walking to raise funds for various charities. Michael Littlechild from York walked with two of his friends Rob Allardyce and Jonny Strachen around the Islands coastal path for the Limbless association in July. Website www.limbless-association.org The... blog Tue, 01 Oct 2013 19:24:00 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-106_Summer-Kaleidoscope-of-colour.php This summer has been the kind we remember from our childhood with long warm sunny days. On the Island September and October can still be warm and dry for a lot of the time due to our maritime climate. It has been an amazing year to spot butterflies and moths there has been clouds of speckled woods a... blog Mon, 23 Sep 2013 13:51:43 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-104_Wheatear-Sighting.php We walked along the cliff path above Thorncross near Brighstone this morning and spent some time watching a small flock of birds in a stubble field that at first we thought were skylarks at a distance. We took some photos and looked up what they were when we got home and worked out they were a fir... blog Thu, 19 Sep 2013 20:22:00 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-103_Pilgrimage-Detour-to-St-Lawrence.php When on a walking holiday around the Isle of Wight coastal path you cant help but see the fabulous views, interesting buildings and varied landscape. However, sometimes it is worth a detour off the route to visit additional places of interest. Just outside Ventnor it is possible to do a loop up in... blog Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:13:50 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-102_Why-you-should-take-your-mobile-with-you-when-you-go-for-a-hike.php For most people going on a hike is all about getting away from the stresses of everyday life. I am often tempted to take off with the minimum of equipment leaving my mobile behind so I am not bothered by any unwanted phone calls. You never know when you may find yourself in difficulty, and a mobile ... blog Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:59:09 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-101_Spring-has-sprung-on-the-Isle-of-Wight.php Here on the Isle of Wight Spring comes early thanks to our southerly position and our unique maritime climate. We have got off fairly lightly compared to the mainland having only a little snow this winter, but still plenty of rain. Just been out for a bike ride this morning on a route I do regular... blog Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:46:43 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-100_RSPB-Bird-watch-Survey.php Recently we took part in the big garden bird watch which is now in its 34th year. Last year over 2000 Islanders took part joining 600,000 people across the UK. Nev my gorgeous hubby loves it as it gets him out of doing any weekend chores for an hour as he sits with notebook and cup of tea in hand l... blog Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:45:49 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-99_2013-first-cycling-holiday.php Our first cyclists of 2013 have just completed their round the Isle of Wight Cycling holiday in 2 days and 3 nights. Booked last year they must have a hotline to the weather because the last two days have seen sunshine on both days the first this year although today was a bit windy so it made the hi... news Sun, 27 Jan 2013 16:38:26 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-98_The-Gentle-art-of-Tramping.php One of my Christmas gifts was a copy of The Gentle art of tramping by Stephen Graham which is an absolute joy to read. First published in 1927 it is about the joy of rambling free and the Philosophy of travelling as a hobo without a care in the world. This time of year when the days are short and th... blog Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:31:33 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-96_love-your-local-landscape.php There is nothing better for your wellbeing than getting out into the fresh air and enjoying the sights and sounds of the nature around you. Find your inner explorer and get to know your local region Many of us have had a walking holidays around the World but have not explored the area on our doors... blog Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:31:26 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-94_Ten-things-to-do-in-January.php Happy new year everyone January is traditionally the month of enforced frugality after the excesses of Christmas but you do not need to hibernate completely. Here is a list of fun things to do that will lift the spirits but not break the bank. 1 Have a bracing walk along a beach near you is a good... blog Sun, 30 Dec 2012 20:06:17 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-93_Walking-Holiday-and-Cycling-Holiday.php Walking on the Isle of Wight you will enjoy some of the most diverse routes and tracks in the UK, and what better way to unwind than to get out into the fresh air and explore. We are the leading local Walking Holiday and Cycling Holiday activity company dedicated to providing self led walking hol... front Sun, 01 Oct 2017 16:53:19 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-92_How-to-walk-safely-in-the-dark.php Now we are in the middle of winter and days are short, during the week with work commitments it can be impossible to get out for a walk in day light. If you enjoy a long walk at weekends you often find you run out of daylight especially if you get lost and walk longer than expected so sensible to be... blog Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:32:58 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-90_Roam-Free-on-the-Isle-of-wight.php Where can you roam free on the Isle of Wight We have been asked a few times lately about walkers right to roam off designated footpaths. Some of our walkers from abroad were confused about exactly where they are free to wander off byways and wished to avoid confrontations with landowners. Here are... blog Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:27:01 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-88_Steam-Railway-Funding.php The Heritage Lottery Fund have announced they are awarding a grant of pound;970,000 to The Isle of Wight Steam Railway for its Changing Trains Project. The grant will help protect and secure the future of numerous rare railway vehicles and will make them available to the public to see and enjoy, th... blog Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:18:12 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-85_New-Mountain-Bike-Route-for-2012.php Do you fancy an adrenaline rush on our roller coaster of a trail We have a new circular trail that is 90 off road making the most of the Islands extensive network of Bridleways. The route is self- guided starting and finishing in the pretty town of Yarmouth taking in most of the Islands scenic land... blog Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:29:00 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-84_Winter-welcomes-the-snow-drops.php Flurry of snow drops If any little plant has a name that perfectly describes it then surely it is the snow drop, Galanthus nivalis. One of the earliest flowering plants and a true harbinger of spring. Looking so delicate but hardy and able to withstand the worst that winter can send its way. J... blog Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:33:48 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-83_Mountain-Bike-Tours.php Following demand we have now added a Mountain bike tour for those hardy types that like lots of hills. The Isle of Wight Off-Road Randonnee This off road route was created by the Isle of Wight Extremists mountain bike club and is designed specifically for mountain bike users of varying ability with... news Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:40:39 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-81_Packing-List.php Check list for packing On booking all our walkers are given a leaflet listing essential things to bring with them on holiday but it can be a daunting experience sitting in front of your dusted off suitcases thinking what to pack for your walking holiday. The main point to remember is to bring what y... blog Mon, 23 May 2011 13:49:32 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-79_Wight-Gold.php Whilst walking on the Isle of Wight on one of our popular walking holiday routes called Source to Sea route I saw my first carpet of wild daffodils in bloom. Really feel as though spring is on its way after the long winter. It has been mainly sunny here over the last couple of weeks and the milder ... blog Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:19:07 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-78_Happy-New-Year.php Now that we have got to the end of our busy Isle of Wight walking and cycling season we have got a little time to sit back and reflect on the past year. It has been a successful and rewarding year that has gone so quickly our Wight Wanders team have hard to ensure all our guests holiday are enjoyabl... blog Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:39:57 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-77_Our-Isle-of-Wight-Bird-Race.php We thought it might be a fun idea to spend New Years Day having a bird race around the Isle of Wight. It will get us out and about after the Christmas festivities. We are both competitive which will keep us focused as we look for the birds. We will start at first light and will list all the birds we... blog Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:42:04 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-74_Merry-Christmas.php Its the season to be jolly Christmas is almost upon us and I dont know about you but when the stress of the shopping and all those preparations becomes too much I like to escape into the countryside for a walk. Over the last few days we have had lots of snow and it certainly makes you feel festive.... blog Tue, 21 Dec 2010 05:21:36 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-73_let-it-snow-let-it-snow.php We have been walking part of the Isle of Wight Coastal path on the West of the Island between Brighstone and Chale today. Weather was snow snow snow big fluffy flakes the size of goose feathers but easy walking certainly better than trudging through the mud of last week. Only two colours the grey of... blog Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:56:07 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-72_Face-Book-amp-Twitter.php We are delighted to announce that we have just joined the social networking revolution and have now have both twitter and a face book page. Our twitter is updated on a regular basis with little snippets of Isle of Wight Walking holiday news perhaps a note about the weather and walking conditions or ... news Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:10:42 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-70_Favorite-Isle-of-Wight-Walk.php I have just got home from walking the Coastal Path from Gurnard to Shalfleet, chilly day and with snow in the air but a lovely walk, The advantage of walking when it is freezing is the mud is frozen too brilliant. I started walking from Gurnard by the Woodvale pub and beach huts below and followed ... blog Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:30:08 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-69_December-birds.php This time of year with its short days and icy weather it is very easy to be temped to hibernate and stay indoors but a walk in the Isle of Wight countryside looking out for birds can be so rewarding and lift our spirits. The sight of hills covered in snow and the beauty of fields dusted in frost has... blog Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:00:22 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-68_Walking-Snacks.php Wight Wanders tips on energy snacks when walking There are no rules on what to pack while you are walking but always pack snack items when walking to keep your energy levels to a maximum. Snacks need to be light weight, easy to nibble, have a nutritional benefit and above all have travelability. ... blog Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:17:43 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-67_BBC-The-Isle-of-Wight-By-Bike.php Clare Balding sets out on a two-wheel odyssey to re-discover Britain from the saddle of a touring cycle. In a six-part series, Clare follows the wheeltracks of compulsive cyclist and author Harold Briercliffe whose evocative guide books of the late 1940s lovingly describe by-passed Britain - a worl... blog Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:20:25 +0000 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-66_Ventnor-the-hotspot-for-people-plants-and-lizards.php Ventnor Bay is one of the Islands gems tucked away on the sheltered South East Coast. Many walkers on arrival in the town could easily be mistaken into thinking they have arrived in a Mediterranean town. With its steep twisting streets cut into the hillside there is also a feeling of being on Mad... blog Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:45:15 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-65_All-Things-Bright-and-Beautiful.php We have just got back from walking a section of Creeks and Coombs around Ningwood and Cranmore. We spent some time watching a spectacular male Purple Emperor butterfly patrolling along a hedge line dipping down from a line of oak trees to feed on nectar from a bramble and privet flower patch. We wer... blog Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:57:24 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-64_Isle-of-Wight-Guided-Walking-Holiday.php We have been asked many times if we could arrange guided walks on the Isle of Wight which would take in the best parts but stay in one place. This year we have take the plunge and put together our first guided walk. Over the last few weeks we have been devising the routes and have walked and then re... blog Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:28:03 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-60_Guided-Walk-in-Sept.php We are delighted to introduce the first of our new guided walks. This will be running in Sept and October then agin next spring. Based in the beautiful coastal town of Shanklin on the east side of the Island. There are 4 walking days each of between 8 and 9 miles and a rest day in the middle. The fi... news Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:13:55 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-59_Blue-is-the-colour.php Nothing illustrates the month of May more than a woodland carpeted with native Blue Bells. The native Blue Bell is smaller than the more chunky Spanish garden variety and with a more delicate perfume. Due to the particularly hard winter the tree canopy has been late to come into leaf, this has allo... blog Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:28:03 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-58_Keep-warm-this-Autumn.php Book a Wight Wanders tour for Sept or Oct and receive a Thermos 0.5lt stainless steel flask. There will be one per person and handed to you on your arrival. Just add the words THERMOS on your order form. special-offers Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:28:03 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-56_Walking-Festival-2010.php The Isle of Wight hosts popular walking festivals during May and October each year, attracting walkers from all over the world. Now in its twelfth year with over 300 walks, over 16 days and it is the biggest in the UK. The Isle of Wight is one of the best destinations in the UK for walkers with ove... blog Sun, 09 May 2010 18:19:04 +0100 GMT https://www.wight-walks.co.uk/story-55_Welcome.php Welcome to Wight Wanders new style website and my first blog. I will write each month about Island life; the countryside and observations I feel may be of interest to walkers, cyclists and anyone visiting the Island. My granddad used to say you have to have the Winter to appreciate the Spring Well... blog Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:19:44 +0000 GMT