Dog friendly walks nearby
Somerton Farm is in a great location for dog walking. The cycle track is close by and can take you all the way to Newport along the river Medina. In the other direction you can walk to Northwood Church by turning left at the end of the lane and left again at the Flower Pot. You can do a circular route by heading down through Medham back to the cycle track.
You can also walk to Gurnard as the crow flies - I can give you directions! This is a perfect spot for enjoying the sunset - one of the best on the Island. There is a secret beach to the left of the sailing club where dogs are allowed all year. Or you can just stroll along the sea front - it is fairly flat and always some activity on the water to watch. The cruise ships are quite a site when they set sail from Southampton.
If you hop in the car you can get to Parkhurst Forest - there is a car park just off Forest Road. This is very popular with locals and there is lots of wildlife to see but you might need your walking boots!
Just a little further is Newtown. There is a National Trust car park and the nature reserve is a haven for all sorts of birds. If you are lucky you might see some seals basking on the waterside.
In the winter more of the beaches are open and one of our favourites is Compton where you can stroll along the shore at low tide and look for fossils. Appley Ryde is a large sandy beach with great parking and a cafe - early mornings are best for dog walks. (check restrictions).
A walk with a view is from Jubilee Carpark just off Lynch Lane - Calbourne. Park up and head towards Freshwater - if the weather is clear the views are breathtaking. A circular walk back round through the forest is lovely - incredibly beautiful in the Autumn. If you want a 'pipe opener' pack yourself a picnic and flask and head to Freshwater and head up to the monument - it is clearly signed but definitely up hill! Reward yourself with a snack at the top!
Happy Dog walking - there are many places to explore but these are our favourites.
