Dog-Friendly Woodland Walks on the Isle of Wight
Beyond the beaches and clifftops, the Isle of Wight is home to beautiful ancient woodland, quiet forest tracks and shaded trails that are perfect for exploring with your dog.
The Isle of Wight is also proudly a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
From easy family walks to longer forest routes with a mix of woodland, fields and bridlepaths, these are some of the Island's loveliest places to disappear beneath the trees for a couple of hours.
Parkhurst Forest
Newport
Best for: red squirrels, peaceful trails and longer walks
​
Just outside of Newport, Parkhurst Forest is one of the Island's largest woodland areas and a lovely choice if you want plenty of space and trails to wander.
​
Ancient woodland, heathland and wide forest tracks create a varied landscape and terrain, with red squirrels, woodpeckers and other wildlife often spotted amongst the trees.
​
Dogs are welcome, and Forestry England provides year-round access to the forest with trails and main paths being kept in good shape. Some of the walking trails are not waymarked, so it's worth having a physical map or a downloaded one on your phone to refer to before setting off.
​
Little Spirit tip: why not bring a little picnic? There's free parking and picnic benches dotted in sun-spots and shaded areas. Please always remember to pick up after your little spirit and take any rubbish home with you.
Firestone Copse
Wootton
Best for: an easy woodland escape
Free parking
Occasional hot-drink van
​
Firestone Copse is one of the Island's most accessible woodland walks, filled with Oak, Ash, Douglas Fir, Cedar and Scots Pine.
​
Its network of forest paths makes it easy to tailor your walk depending on how far you and your dog feel like going.
​
Dogs are welcome throughout the forest, which is open all year round.
​
Brighstone Forest
Brighstone
.jpeg)
Best for: longer walks and elevated views
​
Brighstone Forest is the largest forest on the Isle of Wight, stretching across the higher ground above the Island's south-west coast.
​
Its tracks connect with sections of Tennyson Trail and offer some beautiful views once you reach the higher points of the forest.
​
In spring, it blooms with fields of bluebells, and in autumn the woodland turns a warm gold and orange. The area is popular with dog walkers, but bear in mind that livestock can sometimes present nearby, so please keep your dog under close control when necessary and only allow them ff lead if they can good recall.
Combley Great Wood
Ryde
.jpeg)
Best for: a quieter forest adventure
​
Combley Great Wood sits within one of the Isle of Wight's most important clusters of ancient woodland. The forest feels less polished and more natural than some of the better-known walking spots, with tall conifers, broadleaf woodland and winding tracks through the trees.
​
Visit Isle of Wight highlights it as a good dog-walking option, with circular routes through the woodland and plenty of opportunities for a quieter wander away from busier tourist areas.
Bouldnor Forest
Bouldnor
.jpeg)
Best for: wildlife, coastal woodland and a slower walk
​
Close to Yarmouth, Bouldnor Forest combines woodland, heath and coastal scenery.
​
Red Squirrels are one of the highlights here, alongside a variety of woodland birds and wildlife.
​
Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead, particularly because the area is managed with wildlife protection and conservation in mind.
​
The wider forestry tracks are generally easier underfoot, while unsurfaced paths can become muddy after rain. Please note there is no designated on-site parking.
Choosing the Right Woodland Wander
For a longer forest walk
Parkhurst forest
​
For short and easy
Borthwood Copse
Firestone Copse
​
For wildlife
Parkhurst Forest
Borthwood Copse
Bouldnor Forest
For a quieter afternoon
Combley Great Wood
Bouldnor Forest
​
For woodland with wider views
Brighstone Forest
Mottistone Estate
Fort Victoria ​​
The Isle of Wight's woods are home to red squirrels, nesting birds, livestock and other wildlife.
​
Keep your dog close and under effective control, follow local signs, use a lead whenever requested, bring doggy bags and always keep them on leads around livestock.
​
On nature reserves, restrictions can be stricter. For example, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust requires dogs to remain on leads on its reserves to minimise disturbance to wildlife.
​
Please take waste home where no bins are provided, and stick to established paths where requested - particularly during nesting season.
Visiting the Isle of Wight with your dog?
If you're here on holiday on the Isle of Wight with your little spirit and wanting to head off to explore or enjoy a place where they can't join you.
Whether that's a dinner, attraction, wedding, spa experience or simply a day of exploring, Little Spirit provides one-to-one care within your holiday home, hotel, caravan or other accommodation with hour Island Holiday Pet Sitting service.
​
Your dog gets company, walks, enrichment and tailored care whilst you're at peace of mind and in the present moment during your plans.