WALKERS from around the world trekked across the Island for the start of the IW Walking Festival last weekend.

The predicted downpour stayed away, creating ideal walking conditions for the river walk between Bembridge and Brading with Countryfile news editor, Mark Rowe, The Dawn Chorus Magic walk through Sandown, and Walk the West Wight.

People from as far away as Finland, Switzerland and Malaysia attended the walks and evening talks from Mark Rowe and Paul Armfield at Quay Arts.

Festival organiser, Will Ainslie, said: "It was a great start to the Walking Festival and approximately half of the people who attended were from off the Island.

"It was a really nice social walk and you could tell the participants enjoyed it."

Sue Lupton, who did the 11 mile West Wight walk with her rescue dog, Dilly, said the day was highly enjoyable with magnificent landscapes and views.

The themed walks range from Beach, Bugs and Bones to a Literary Heroes Walk with group sizes from six to 60, all of which can be booked at www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.