Brook Bay to Compton Bay

Length: 1.5 miles

Suitability: Mostly flat along the beach 

Famed for its miles of golden sands and fossil-rich cliffs, Compton Bay to Brook Bay is a fine place to kick off your dog walking escapades on the Island. Start at the Brook Beach Car Park, then head down to the beach; it’s about a mile up to Compton Bay. 

At Brook Bay, keep an eye out at sea as you might spot impressive surfers carving up the waves. Along the beach, you’ll find rockpools perfect for little ones to explore, plus all ages will be awed by the iconic dinosaur footprints. 

As you near Compton Bay, you’ll spot Compton Downs. One of the Island's biggest expanses of open downlands, it offers another great spot for a run around if your canine companion has more energy to burn. 

There is not much in the way of cafés in this idyllic corner of the Island, though if you time it right, you’ll find an ice cream van in the National Trust Compton Bay car park. For a truly delicious Island lunch, pack a picnic full of local goodies or, when you get back to Brook, head to the dog-friendly Chessell Pottery Café in Shalcombe, just 1.7 miles away (4 minutes in the car). 

When planning this walk, do note the bays are tidal, so time your visit right and walk at low tide when there’s plenty of space for exploring. 

Firestone Copse, Ryde

Length: 2 miles (multiple trails to choose from)

Suitability: Flat and wheelchair accessible trails available

A popular dog walking haunt on the Isle of Wight, you’ll find a whole pack of dogs in varying states of pre- and post-walk excitement on your next visit! And for good reason, Firestone Copse is a corker of a dog walking spot. Maintained by the Forestry Commission, this mixed woodland is home to English oak and ash, hazels and coniferous Douglas, cedar and Scots pine, for year-round interest.

The main trail here is gloriously flat, but there are plenty of offshoots should you and your best friend seek more adventure. You might take a wander down to the Old Mill Pond, flowing from Wootton Creek, for a truly spectacular view no matter the season. Although if you are visiting in autumn and winter, don’t forget a pair of wellies!

There's a picnic area, or it's less than a mile to the nearby White Hart Inn, a traditional village pub offering hearty homemade meals and a dog-friendly pub garden. Alternatively, it’s 3 miles to Briddlesford Farm Shop, described as stepping into the Island's very own larder! And if you like farm shops, the Isle of Wight has plenty.

Looking for a post-grub adventure? The Isle of Wight Steam Railway, which dogs can ride for free, is just down the road. 

Yarmouth to Freshwater

Length: 4 miles (there and back)

Suitability: Flat 

If you’re looking for a flat walk, wander from Yarmouth to Freshwater along the Yar River Trail, which tracks the former railway line that once linked the towns. Starting in Yarmouth, one of the Island's prettiest towns, you’ll head for the path behind the main car park opposite the ferry terminal. 

The trail hugs the River Yar and offers some excellent scenery along with birdwatching opportunities, from wading birds to kingfishers. Birders, pack your binoculars! If you're visiting in peak season, you won’t be able to get onto Freshwater Bay with your dog, but if you walk a third of a mile on, just past Fort Redoubt and on to Watcombe Bay, they can frolic on the sand all year round. It's a great spot, a mix of sand and shingle with sea stacks and coves to boot. It is a steep old walk down, though, so take care.

Afterwards, take the trail back to Yarmouth and into Off The Rails for some refreshment. This unique eatery sits in what was once Yarmouth’s train station. And it’s not just dog-friendly, it’s dog-obsessed. As well as a menu for humans, you’ll find an extensive dog menu with a range of dry meals, treats, and, come summertime, a range of dog-friendly ice cream to keep your dog cool and happy. 

If you're looking for something to do in the Yarmouth area after, why not head out to sea? Yarmouth is home to some of the best boat trips on the Isle of Wight, and some allow you to bring your canine companion along for the ride too.

Shanklin to Ventnor

Length: 8 miles (there and back)

Suitability: Moderate to challenging

If you and your dog like your walks challenging, consider this 4-mile slice of coast path from Shanklin to Ventnor. You’ll walk rugged terrain encompassing unforgettable, soul-stirring views out to sea and get to experience not one but two quaint Island villages! 

As you make your way down from Shanklin to Ventnor, you'll also pass through the steep chalk hills of Ventnor Downs. There are plenty of wildlife watching opportunities to be had here, including the chance to spot Ventnor's very own herd of goats. The ancient breed of feral goat was introduced here in 1993 to help manage the scrub and create more natural chalk grasslands. Do keep your dogs under control here. You might also see Adonis blue butterflies, buzzards, and ground-nesting birds like the skylark.

Once you arrive in Ventnor, wander down to Steephill Cove for one of the best dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight. Alternatively, once you’re back in Shanklin, pop down to the nearby Luccombe Beach - it’s also dog-friendly year-round, should your dog fancy a post-walk cool down. Wherever you choose to stop for food, there is a great selection of dog-friendly eateries in both Shanklin and Ventnor. If you only want to walk one way, you can catch the bus back, or why not try the circular route instead?

Carisbrooke Castle, Newport

Length: 2 miles

Suitability: Easy 

If your ideal walk combines nature with history, head up to Carisbrooke Castle, a fortress that started as an Anglo-Saxon earthwork defence against Viking raids. There’s plenty of interest inside, including Charles I memorabilia following his imprisonment here. While dogs are only allowed on the grounds, they are a beauty to behold and well worth a nose around with the pooch. 

A simple circular walk following the moat around this Anglo-Saxon beast, it’s a great spot for a stomp in nature while constantly marvelling at history, too. If that’s all a bit too serious for your dog, duck off to the wild meadow fields for a proper run around or game of fetch. 

Afterwards, head into Newport, the Island's county town. It’s just 1.5 miles away and home to plenty of tempting eateries to choose from. Head to Caffe Isola, a dog-friendly artisan café and coffee roastery serving up epic breakfasts and lunch, as well as a seriously good cup of coffee. 

Tempted to book your next island escape? Peruse our collection of dog-friendly cottages on the Isle of Wight and get your next holiday in the calendar now!