Isle Of Wight Walking Festival. October Walks
You are welcome to book by getting in touch with me at questions@suelowday.co.uk
or directly through the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website. (link to be added)
All welcome — just bring curiosity and good walking boots. I look forward to sharing the village history with you.
A note about pets on walks
As much as we love dogs, we've found that having them along can make it tricky for some guests to fully relax and enjoy the walks. We'd really appreciate it if you could leave them at home for this one — thank you for understanding!
The Souls of Bonchurch.
3rd October, 10am: meet at the new Parish Church on Bonchurch Shute (not the old church).
Explore two historic churchyards with walk leader Sue — one an ancient burial ground dating to the 11th century, the other a Victorian resting place. Wander among weathered headstones and mossy monuments to uncover the lives, legends and mysteries behind them: poets, shipwreck victims, stonemasons and figures linked to ancient battles. Each grave has a story, and Sue brings these peaceful spaces vividly to life with tales of love, loss, conflict and the enduring spirit of Bonchurch. Maximum 8 - 10 walkers.
All welcome — just bring curiosity and good walking boots.
Legends of Bonchurch: Stories of Fame, Art, and Mystery.
5th October, 10am: meet at the bench (& sign board) near the top of Bonchurch Shute.
This picturesque village once drew Victorian icons like a magnet — poets, painters, celebrated authors, even royalty. Their stories are still here, waiting to be uncovered. Join Sue Lowday as she breathes life into Bonchurch's most illustrious residents, revealing unexpected twists, hidden connections, and astonishing tales you won't find in any guidebook. Along the way, discover stunning illustrations, rare photographs, and haunting melodies composed by a local artist with a surprising connection to two famous TV doctors. This isn't just a history walk — it's an immersive journey into the village's most spellbinding secrets. Maximum 8 - 10 walkers.
Women, Talent & Tyranny: A Victorian Walking Tour of Bonchurch.
6th October, 10am: meet at The Pitts, Bonchurch Shute.
Bonchurch was home to women of extraordinary talent — performers, painters, poets, and fierce hearts, each leaving her mark on this small village. Walk with us to meet women who performed before Queen Victoria, whose paintings stopped exhibition crowds in their tracks, whose poetry came close to winning the Poet Laureateship — and one who crossed the Solent bearing red roses for a poet she loved, who never knew. Some were celebrated in their lifetimes. Some were overlooked, and are only now getting their due. Some were simply taken too soon. These are stories of brilliance, ambition, and the different paths a remarkable life can take. Bonchurch remembers them all — come and meet them. Maximum 8 - 10 walkers.
Walking in Dickens' Footsteps: A Bonchurch Literary Ramble - morning walk
8th October, 10am: meet by the pond.
Celebrating over 175 years since Charles Dickens holidayed here, join walk leader Sue to explore Bonchurch through his eyes. In 1849, Dickens arrived stuck with writer's block on David Copperfield — discover how this village unlocked new characters, and the friends who joined his holiday adventures along the way. We'll trace the Undercliff's rise as an artists' haven, and uncover a surprising link to Miss Havisham of Great Expectations. Illustrated with period photos, drawings and readings. Maximum 8 - 10 walkers.
Walking in Dickens' Footsteps: A Bonchurch Literary Ramble - afternoon walk
11th October, 2pm: meet by the pond.
Celebrating over 175 years since Charles Dickens holidayed here, join walk leader Sue to explore Bonchurch through his eyes. In 1849, Dickens arrived stuck with writer's block on David Copperfield — discover how this village unlocked new characters, and the friends who joined his holiday adventures along the way. We'll trace the Undercliff's rise as an artists' haven, and uncover a surprising link to Miss Havisham of Great Expectations. Illustrated with period photos, drawings and readings. Maximum 8 - 10 walkers.