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Seven of the best Island dog walks as chosen by YOU

Your favourite Isle of Wight dog walks. <i>(Image: Isle of Wight County Press/ Jamie Stockham)</i>
Your favourite Isle of Wight dog walks. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press/ Jamie Stockham)

As we already know, the Isle of Wight boasts some of the country's most amazing walks.

From scenic beaches and country parks, to forests and cycle tracks, we're spoilt for choice.

But where are the best places to take your dog?

The County Press asked Islanders for their opinion. Here's what they said...


Headon Warren, from Totland Bay (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Headon Warren

A unanimous choice among Islanders, Headon Warren boasts amazing views of the mainland and The Needles (if you go far enough).

It is dog-friendly, but owners are asked to keep their pets on a lead around wildstock and livestock.

The full trail is just over four miles long, or three if you decide to do the short trail.

Find out more about the Headon Warren walk, HERE.


Golden Hill Country Park, Freshwater

Extending to 20 hectares of mixed habitat public open space, Golden Hill is the perfect place to take your dog.

One dog walker said: "Beautiful walks, great views, my favourite place, free parking.

"You could spend hours and hours there. A place full of history."

The Country Park is surrounded by one of the Palmerston Follies, which was built to protect the Solent from invasion.

It is managed by charity, Gift to Nature.

Isle of Wight County Press: Golden Hill Country Park's new willow maze, by John Bentley of the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club.
Isle of Wight County Press: Golden Hill Country Park's new willow maze, by John Bentley of the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club.


The willow waze at Golden Hill Country Park, Freshwater. Picture by John Bentley of the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club.


Fort Victoria Country Park, Yarmouth

Isle of Wight County Press:
Isle of Wight County Press:

Whether it's the nature trail, coastal woodland, or beach, there is plenty of walks to choose from at Fort Victoria.

Again, it is completely dog-friendly.

There is also a route which takes you to Golden Hill (above), if you fancy it.

The County Park even boasts a cafe where you and our dog can stop off for a drink.


Firestone Copse

This woodland walk is flat, and offers a mix of long and short paths to choose from.

The car park is free and there are plenty of dog poo bins around the area.

The overhanging trees give your dog some shade in hotter weather.

Isle of Wight County Press:
Isle of Wight County Press:

Yaverland beach, near Sandown

The long, sandy beach at Yaverland is a perfect place to let your dog run free.

They can even go for a swim in the sea, afterwards.

Dogs are allowed on the beach between the sailing club and Culver Down head.

Isle of Wight County Press: Jamie Stockham's dog on the beach at Yaverland.
Isle of Wight County Press: Jamie Stockham's dog on the beach at Yaverland.

Jamie Stockham's dog on the beach at Yaverland. (Image: Jamie Stockham)


Cycle trail, Merstone

Made up of a network of footpaths and bridleways, Merstone cycle and walk trail is a great place to take your dog.

It also joins to the Red Squirrel trail, a 32-mile track.

Islanders recommend this walk because it's flat and there's a coffee stop (Bean on the run) on the route.

It's also a great chance to see the old railway station.

You can read more, HERE.

Isle of Wight County Press: Gift to Nature
Isle of Wight County Press: Gift to Nature

Gift to Nature (Image: Gift to Nature)


Brighstone Forest

Isle of Wight County Press: The car park on Lynch Lane.
Isle of Wight County Press: The car park on Lynch Lane.

The car park on Lynch Lane. (Image: Google Maps)

Another forest to make the list, is Brighstone.

Islanders say the woodland trails and hill climbs are ideal for dogs.

The walk can be started at the Jubilee Car Park on Lynch Lane. There, you'll also find the trail to Tennyson Down (another dog walking favourite!).


What do you think of the list?

Is there any you think we've missed?

Let us know by emailing editor@iwcp.co.uk.