Best places for dog walking on the Isle of Wight


Miles of footpaths cross our land, from the coast to the downs, meaning that for dog lovers there are many places to take a walk with your four-legged friend on the Isle of Wight.
A bracing seaside walk with your dog can be a wonderful thing. With over 17 miles of National Trust-owned coastline, we have plenty of great locations for you to discover. Particular doggy favourites are the sand dunes around St Helens Duver, and the beach at Compton Bay and Brook. Dogs are welcome between Brook Chine and Hanover Point all year round, but we ask you not to bring them west of this along Compton between 15 May and 15 September. This is so that we can manage problems with dog waste and protect the interests of other visitors, particularly families with children.

We look after over 10 percent of the land on the Isle of Wight, including many of the high ridges. The downs at Ventnor, Mottistone and Bembridge all have car parking places and some of these also have dog bins, making the downs a convenient, and beautiful, location to take a walk in the countryside together.
Responsible ownership
We’re glad that you enjoy walking across our countryside and ask that you help us keep it beautiful and enjoyable for others by following our dog policy. If you choose to walk our paths, we’d like you to keep your dog under control and clear up after it.
To help us to keep the countryside a safe, healthy and enjoyable place for everyone please:
• Keep your dog in sight and under close control. Use a lead when necessary and where local signage requests you to do so to help protect wildlife.
• Clear up after your dog, particularly in car parks, play areas or on paths, by placing dog mess in a dedicated bin or taking it home.
• Never let your dog chase wildlife or farm animals. It causes serious injuries and your dog could become lost or hit by a car.
• Observe local notices when you’re out and about. There may be legal restrictions where nature is particularly vulnerable, in woodland or on farmland at sensitive times of year, such as in spring, during the lambing season, and between the beginning of March and the end of July when ground-nesting birds are on eggs or raising their young.

Follow the Countryside Code
With more people than ever enjoying our coast and countryside places, we’re asking for your help in looking after them during your visit. Please help us protect wildlife and landscapes by following the Countryside Code, which includes taking any litter home with you and not lighting a barbecue or campfire.