Dogging
The old caulkhead term 'dogging' refers to 'spending time with your dogs'. This activity remains popular to this day for caulkheads, overners and grockles alike.
So if you're looking for somewhere to park up and make new furry friends check out these great locations !
Beaches with seasonal changes to permitted areas between May 1 and September 30.
Colwell, Cowes, East Cowes, Freshwater Bay, Gurnard, Sandown, Shanklin, Springvale, Ventnor, Yaverland and Ryde.
Consult local signage for more info.
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These though are the best dog friendly beaches all year round. Click on beach name for map.
Yaverland (east of the car park)
Dogs can be walked all year round to the east of the car park. The wide, open sands at low tide provide excellent space with clear visibility and easy access.
Ryde Beach (west of the pier) and Appley (east of Appley Tower)
While exclusion zones are in place on the main esplanade, dogs can be walked all year round here. Exclusion zone maps are in place on the esplanade.
The quieter outer sections remain dog‑friendly all year and provide long stretches of sand at low tide.
A curved, sheltered beach backed by soft cliffs and woodland making it suitable for longer walks.
A beautiful and secluded beach accessed on foot through woodland paths. It feels remote and is well suited to quiet, peaceful dog walks.
A calm, relaxed atmosphere rather than a busy tourist feel and is ideal for dogs that enjoy gentle exploration rather than running games.
A hidden beach reached by woodland paths and offers a mix of sand and shingle. This beach is ideal for off‑lead dogs that have good recall and owners looking for tranquility.
Colwell Bay (east of the slipway)
Restrictions are in place to the west of the slipway at Colwell Bay, but the beautiful beach welcomes dogs all year to the east. Colwell Bay offers a good balance between scenic views and gentle dog walking.
Dogs are permitted on the beach throughout the year without seasonal exclusion zones. Its west‑coast location makes it quieter than resort beaches, especially away from the main promenade areas.
The beach is mainly shingle and feels expansive and isolated. It is well suited to confident walkers who want peaceful dog walks away from crowds.
A quieter and well known for fossil hunting and has a peaceful atmosphere. This beach is ideal for dogs that enjoy relaxed walks, sniffing and exploring away from busy promenades.
A remote, rocky and shingle‑covered, providing plenty for dogs to explore. It is best suited to experienced walkers rather than casual beach visitors.
A small, traditional cove reached by a steep footpath. It is better suited to well‑controlled dogs.
Tucked away at the south‑east of the Island and is perfect for peaceful walks throughout the year. Ideal for dogs that enjoy gentle exploration rather than busy promenades.
Locals will be aware of other less well known, smaller (and perhaps less accessible) areas too. If you're an island visitor just ask your hotel or campsite staff for local dogging recommendations.
They'll tell you where to go...
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- sorry if you were expecting something else -