THE Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been named as one of 25 amazing outdoor adventures in a guide released by the National Lottery — issued to mark the lottery’s 25th birthday.

Since 1994 more than £550 million of National Lottery funding has been invested in over 9,200 projects, helping people to enjoy the great outdoors and improve wellbeing.

The guide includes a range of outdoor activities and locations to visit that the National Lottery has funded over the past 25 years, from rugged coastlines and mountain footpaths to spectacular nature reserves, parks and forests.

Readers are encouraged to explore each of the five land parcels that make up the area by walking, running, cycling and enjoying the Island’s diverse landscape. In total, the area has received just over £1.6m in funding.

Countryfile presenter and outdoor enthusiast, Helen Skelton, who recently undertook a climb to the summit of Ben Nevis is backing the guide.

She said: “National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes and have contributed so much to the UK’s amazing and varied landscapes.

“I am a huge supporter of people experiencing the great outdoors for themselves.

"The National Lottery’s guide will hopefully inspire people to discover their next adventure.”

Since the lottery’s first draw, on November 19, 1994, more than £40 billion has been raised for good causes in the areas of arts, sport, heritage and community.

The National Lottery’s Guide to 25 Amazing Outdoor Adventures is available to download from www.nationallotterygreatoutdoors25.co.uk