A chance to imagine the Spanish Armada of 1588 or learn how to identify a variety of British trees is on offer during the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival, following the release of more walks.

The multi-award-winning Isle of Wight Walking Festival returns between 04-12 October, proudly sponsored by Outdooractive, and gives visitors the opportunity to take in the autumnal beauty of the UK’s sunniest destination. Many of the walks are free to join – although booking is essential – and curated by volunteers who are passionate about their chosen walk.

Take a blanket and unwind on the National Trust Wellbeing Walk at Newtown National Nature Reserve on 4 October. This 1.5-mile stroll is all about slowing down with mindfulness, meditation and sensory moments in nature. Or, step back in time on a new 4-mile history trail at Ventnor on 7 October. With sweeping coastal views and info boards charting churches, cliffs, beacon downs and bays, it’s easy to imagine the scene as Spanish galleons passed by in 1588.

Get to know your native trees on the Tree ID for Absolute Neophytes walk on 5 October. This gentle, expert led 1.5-mile guided stroll, is free to join. Do good while walking on 11 October with a 3-mile litter-pick walk in Sandown. Starting at the train station, the route takes in Los Altos Country Park before finishing along the award-winning Sandown Bay.

For something a bit different, pick up a guide at Brading Roman Villa and take a self-guided 2-mile circular walk around this spectacular site, occupied since CE100. Available daily throughout the festival.

The Walking Festival is organised by Visit Isle of Wight and made possible from the support of the Wight BID. Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Visit Isle of Wight said:

“Due to high demand, we’ve added 10 more walks to the programme, giving visitors even more choice. So far, we have over 850 registered walkers, with 74% joining us from the mainland and overseas.

“I’m hugely grateful to our volunteers, whose passion for the Island helps create these inspiring walks and highlights why the Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s top walking destinations.”

Discounted cross-Solent travel, accommodation and food & drink specials can be found on the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website, as well as over 70 walks to be booked ahead of the event between 04-12 October.

With walks booking up quickly, visit https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/ to secure your spot today.

Isle of Wight Walking Festival website: https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/

Armada Coast 1588: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/armada-coast-1588-heritage-trail-7th-october-4-miles-free-tickets-1645957626569

Tree ID for Absolute Neophytes: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tree-id-for-absolute-neophytes-5th-october-15-miles-free-tickets-1645879001399

Wellbeing Walk with the National Trust: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wellbeing-walk-with-the-national-trust-4th-october-15-miles-free-tickets-1647863025669

Brading Roman Villa Nature Trail: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brading-roman-villa-nature-trail-4th-october-2-miles-free-tickets-1542328208189

Sandown litter pick walk: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/litterpick-walk-with-sandown-green-town-11th-october-3-miles-free-tickets-1554576292539