By Isle of Wight Observer
The new Charles Dickens’ Trail was officially launched on Saturday, with a remarkable 24 members of the author’s descendants in attendance to mark the occasion.
The six-mile trail takes walkers from Shanklin to Bonchurch, stopping at key locations connected to Charles Dickens’ life en route, and was created by Isle of Wight Ramblers together with Visit Isle of Wight.
A plaque was unveiled by High Sheriff, Jacque Gazzard, to commemorate Dickens’ stay at the Royal Hotel, Ventnor, in 1838. He was just 26 and was visiting with his wife, Catherine, and their first child. Dickens and Catherine, now with seven children, returned to the Island in 1848. He stayed at Bonchurch where he wrote several chapters of David Copperfield.
The trail reaches the highest point at St Boniface Down and the Victorian author’s own words are brought to life through quotes read by his family along the way accessible by QR codes.
A trail leaflet has been compiled by the chairman of the IW Ramblers, David Howarth, Ian Dickens, the author’s grandson, and historian, Sue Lowday.
The leaflet’s production was supported by Visit Isle of Wight and Southern Vectis. More information can be found online via iw.observer/iw-ramblers.
The trail will be a feature of the Spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival, which runs from May 10-18, although both of the Dickens’ Trail walks have sold out and have a waiting list.
