FOLLOW THE SEAGULLS CHARITY WALK
COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT
17&18 MAY 2025
TWO DAY CHALLENGE
ONE DAY CHALLENGE
Two great days on the Isle of Wight coastal path - you are in for a treat.
We get together for the start on both days and meet up at various points over the weekend, but you will step into the role of navigator on this self-supported walk. There’ll be trails to stick to, and fellow walkers to join up with, but you’ll have to consult your maps which will be annotated and provided to navigate your way around. Whether you choose to walk alone or as part of a group, we will ensure you have an amazing experience!
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“For someone considering this challenge in the future I’d say absolutely do it. Not only was it an epic physical and mental challenge, it was also one of the most humbling and rewarding adventures I’ve been on. It was an incredible achievement and opportunity to truly see the best in people; sharing stories, support and collective goals. As the aches begin to fade, my gratitude for this amazing charity, and the people it has connected me with, just grows stronger and stronger.” - Sammy (2019)
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CONQUER THE CHALLENGE AS A TEAM
Walking as a team can be great motivation to keep you on track with your training, and with a shared fundraising target of £1000 for team entries, you'll find it easier to smash your target and raise the vital funds that make all the difference
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Register for the walk today to set up a team fundraising page. If you have any questions about team entry please email fundraising@brainstrust.org.uk
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE TREK
Kicking off in Cowes prepare for sea views as we wind along coastal paths and through little used glades until we come to our overnight halt in Ventnor. A team dinner will give you the chance to swap trail stories and perhaps compare blisters.
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Day two, we climb a tall ridge and head for stunning West Wight with its towering cliffs and views. It really feels like another world as villages are few and far between and it’s walking a little bit on the wild side.
We’ll eventually hit Freshwater and take the old railway line to Yarmouth and our final halt at a cafe for tea and cake.
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We’ll all get together for set-off, and meet up at various checkpoints throughout the two days. You will however step into the role of navigator on this self supported walk.
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50 miles in 2 days on foot is no small ask. This event will really test your endurance. It will take all you've got to earn your finishers medal.
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This trek is is tougher than the Fife, but not as hard as the Whitby or Dartmouth Follow the Seagulls routes - it is still 25 miles a day though so you will need to prepare and train well in advance.
You will need great map reading/orienteering skills and training is a must. You can find further information on training, and your recommended kit list here.
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Travel, accommodation and logistics for the Isle of Wight trek
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The Isle of Wight challenge is a trek in the truest sense with an adventure by Ferry to Cowes, accomodation required on the Friday in Cowes, and then in Ventor on the Saturday. You will need to organise travel and accommodation, but our team and volunteers will assist with transport of your luggage, and with transport from the finish line in Yarmouth back to Cowes. We make it as easy for you to focus on enjoying the Isle of Wight and the 50 miles in front of you.
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Discounted travel to the Isle of Wight for Follow the Seagulls participants
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We can also help with a substantial discount if you want to bring a car from Southampton to Cowes. The crossing takes about one hour and costs a little over £60 return. This only applies to Red Funnel and the Southampton Cowes route. Simply get in touch with your contact at brainstrust after booking onto the trek to secure your discounted tickets.
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*Please note that the exact route may change prior to the event. The itinerary below is an example itinerary only.
DAY 1: COWES TO VENTNOR
DAY 2: VENTNOR TO YARMOUTH
