By Isle of Wight Observer
Walk the Wight, the Isle of Wight charity walk in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, returns on Sunday 13 May and Red Funnel is challenging mainland residents to take part with its special entry pack option, inclusive of charity donation and return foot passenger travel from Southampton.
The annual event, which has raised over £4m for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice since it began in 1991, comprises a 26.5 mile course across the Isle of Wight from Bembridge to the Needles at Alum Bay, as well as half distance and 8 mile flat course options.
Attracting thousands of entrants per year, the spectacular walk includes sections of private land that are opened up exclusively for the event, making it a unique course. The money raised helps to fund the Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s comprehensive end of life healthcare for the Isle of Wight community.
For the fourth year running, event sponsor Red Funnel has teamed up with the hospice to offer a £32.50 Red Funnel entry option, making signing up for Walk the Wight quick and convenient. This great value entry option, perfect for individuals, groups of friends and corporate entries alike is inclusive of:
- £18 donation to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice
- Discounted £7.50 Red Funnel foot passenger return ticket valid on Red Jet or vehicle ferry service (for travel taken 11 – 14 May)
- Walker pack comprising Walk the Wight t-shirt, walker number, sponsorship form for any extra fundraising and further event details (remaining £7 of entry pack fee covers these costs for the hospice)
A discounted £10pp foot passenger return is also available for friends and family travelling with a participant, perfect for drumming up moral support. To obtain the offer entrants simply need to show their walker number at the Red Funnel ticket office on the day of travel (11-14 May).
Southern Vectis are once again offering free bus travel to all Walk the Wight entrants, including a direct service for the full walk option which picks up from East Cowes at 07.00 (outside Waitrose, connects with the 05.45 Red Funnel vehicle ferry departure from Southampton) and West Cowes at 07.15 (outside M&S, connects with 06.45 Red Jet departure from Southampton).
Those opting for one of the half courses or the flat course can travel to the relevant start point for free on Southern Vectis’ regular services, whilst the easiest way to get back from any of the finish points is via the free shuttle buses back to Newport, before connecting with a regular service back to East / West Cowes.
Red Funnel has published full travel options on its website detailing which ferries and buses to catch to make it even easier for participants from the mainland to plan ahead.
Those wishing to make a weekend of it can choose to take the car instead and utilise Red Funnel’s special 20% discount off vehicle travel for participants, valid for return travel from Southampton to East Cowes.
Jax Jones, Major Events Fundraiser for Earl Mountbatten Hospice and Walk the Wight organiser said: “Walk the Wight is a huge team effort and wouldn’t happen without Island businesses, supporters, volunteers and walkers coming together to make it happen. Red Funnel’s sponsorship of the event helps ensure more of our walkers’ hard earned fundraising is put towards Islanders and their families receiving the very best care when facing death and bereavement. We are so very grateful for Red Funnel’s continued sponsorship and support with bringing our walkers over the water.”
Jonathan Green, Red Funnel’s Marketing and Communications Director said: “We’re proud to support Walk the Wight, which raises funds for a fantastic cause as well as providing a great challenge for participants against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. With four different lengths of course there’s something for everyone. We’re delighted to be once again be offering discounted travel and convenient entry options for mainland entrants.”
Full details of the four course options are as follows:
- Full 26.5 mile walk – takes approx. 8-12 hours to complete, starting at Bembridge Airport and finishing at Alum Bay
- Main walk first half – 12.5 miles, will take 4-6 hours and starts at Bembridge, finishing at Carisbrooke Castle
- Main walk second half – 14 miles, will take 5-8 hours, starting at Carisbrooke Castle and finishing at Alum Bay
- Flat walk – 8 miles, will take 2-4 hours, starting at Sandown Bay Academy and finishing at Newport.
Walk the Wight also form part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, which runs from 28 April to 13 May and offers an extensive walks programme delivered by experienced local walkers.
For more information about Walk the Wight including how to register please visit www.redfunnel.co.uk/walkthewight
