Isle of Wight Ramblers

Join the Ramblers

The Isle of Wight is an area of outstanding beauty and has about 600 miles of rights of way. What better way of seeing this stunning scenery than by walking along the well kept paths; you can enjoy the peace and tranquility that the Island has to offer.

The Isle of Wight Ramblers welcomes all ages and abilities.

The Island has two groups:

Wight Sole - is aimed at the 20-40 year olds, more information can be found on their website

Main Group - is generally for the over 40's. Both groups organise a comprehensive programme of walks and social events such as local talks and visits. Many people enjoy the holidays that are regularly arranged. You will be safe in the knowledge that all our walks and events are organised by local experts.

The Ramblers is dedicated to being at the heart of walking for everyone. This means that our members are the eyes and ears reporting problems with footpaths and suggesting improvements. Our conservation volunteers undertake work to provide steps and new stiles and gates.

For more information please visit their website

The Wight Coast Excluded ! – From the National Coastal Trail.

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 provides for a coastal trail to be established around the whole English coast. In the words of the Act, it will be made up of a path with spreading room, a margin of land accessible to the public for the purpose of its enjoyment. There will also be provision for the path to ‘roll back’ inland to cater for coastal erosion.

Here on the Isle of Wight we are a long way short of having a comprehensive Coastal Path. Around half of the existing path runs either inland or along public roads. More than 10 miles of our northern coastline between Yarmouth and Ryde have no public access or footpath.
 
A study commissioned by the Countryside Agency identified that the South West Coastal Path is worth over £300 million each year to that regions economy. If we pro rata that to the Isle of Wight coast line, a complete IOW Coastal Trail could be worth £35 million pa for our Island economy. It will also provide additional healthy outdoor recreational facilities for Island residents.

In Wales their complete coastal trail has already been set up and will be officially opened in May. Here in England a total of £50m was originally budgeted for implementation of the new act over ten years (2010-2019). So far work has started by Natural England on six stretches of coast in Dorset, Cumbria, East Riding, Kent, Norfolk, and Somerset.

Unfortunately as an Island the Isle of Wight is not included under the provisions of this Act. A special Order will need to be prepared and signed by the Environment Minister for us to be covered. So far in spite of several representations by the Ramblers to Officials and Ministers within DEFRA, we have received no commitment as to if or when such an order will be signed.

The Isle of Wight Ramblers are launching a campaign to ensure that a comprehensive coastal trial is developed for the Isle of Wight as part of the national implementation of the Marine and Coastal Access Act.

IOW Ramblers Winners of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The IOW Ramblers has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. This is the "MBE for the Voluntary Sector" and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering.

The citation reads "Campaigning for greater access to the countryside and encouraging community participation in walking activities"

The Lord Lieutenant of Isle of Wight will present an exclusive inscribed commemorative crystal and a certificate signed by Her Majesty, at a special ceremony.
It is certainly a proud moment in the 43 year history of the IOW Ramblers in receiving this prestigious honour.

The Queen's award for voluntary service was introduced in 2002 to celebrate the golden anniversary of the Queen's Coronation and is the highest award for voluntary service by groups. More than 980 groups around the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man have now received this annual award.

There are 130 winners of this award this year, selected from 413 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group's work in their community.

June 2011

Words from the Area Chairman, David Howarth in their 2010 Annual Review

"This year The Ramblers has been celebrating its 75th anniversary. So much has been achieved since 1935 - A legal rights of way system, mapping and open access land. Much of this is now taken for granted, but without it, the Island would be a much poorer place. Tourism would suffer and the health and well-being of our residents would deteriorate. We are in uncertain times and Government cuts are likely to affect the Rights of Way programme. We are offering to help with extra work parties and assistance with grant funding.

We achieved much this year, and yes, we have celebrated also. Now we have to be ever watchful in these difficult times."