Last week, guests of The Royal Hotel and walkers taking part in the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival enjoyed a very special event. Our own Jo Knowles led a guided walk called Discovering Ventnor, and it was a real highlight of the week.
Jo is not only a keen adventurer, having reached Everest Base Camp and completed the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge, but also a passionate local historian. She launched the Discovering Ventnor walk in 2024 and has been sharing her love of the area ever since.
This circular six-mile walk begins and ends at The Royal Hotel. Along the way, it takes in some of the Island’s most beautiful spots, including Ventnor, Bonchurch and Steephill. Jo shares fascinating facts about the area’s history and its connections to well-known figures such as Charles Dickens, Karl Marx and John Hamborough, as well as insights on the historic train lines and more.
Guests who joined the walk as part of the Spring Walking Festival had a wonderful time and gave glowing feedback.
"What a delight! The walk was one of the best we have done in 18 years of attending the festival. It was interesting, challenging in parts, but with plenty of rest stops and great views. Jo and Caroline were brilliant. We even saw terrapins, ducklings, a buzzard and Glanville Fritillary butterflies. A great day and lots of fun."
The walk combined fresh air, local history, and some truly stunning scenery. It gave guests a new way to see and enjoy this part of the Island.
The walk began and ended at The Royal, where guests could relax afterwards with tea, coffee and biscuits. It was the perfect end to a lovely day out.
If your preferred dates show as unavailable online, please call our Reservations Team on 01983 852186, who will be happy to assist with your enquiry.
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