Just read an old version of 'Your Dog' magazine in which they were raving about Isle of Wight as a dog walking destination. As an added bonus the ferry company mentioned has a dog designated lounge so my dog doesn't have to spend the crossing on his lonesome in the car.  Was wondering if anyone has been and what your experience was like ?

Slightly biased as we live on the I.O.W.  and yes there are lots of beautiful walks. The main ferry company allows dogs in the main lounge and there's a lift should you need them - you can also stay in the car if you wish to. Ferry from Southampton does allow dogs on the top deck (& believe there is a lounge after complaints that they had to be outside - could be wrong) but it is along times since I've used that route.

We have taken our dogs to the IOW a lot because my parents lived there. Depending how busy the ferry was, we would take them up to the top of the boat (outside if the weather was dry) or leave them in the car. There are lots of beaches there (I'm not sure which are dog friendly, so check websites - we always took ours to Bembridge where my parents lived) and there are several forest walks and also the Downs where you can sit and look down on the Island and have an ice cream from the Minghella's van :) :) :)

I think there is someone on here who lives on the island so they will probably have better info :)

Daisy

The Hovercraft from Portsmouth also allows dogs!
And Wightlink Ferries sponsor a number of local businesses and individuals on the IOW, including a very successful young lady who is a top YKC Junior Handler, meaning she can get to more shows :)

I've not taken my dog over, but always intended to; I have friends in Portsmouth who go camping there with their dogs every year and have done without fail for over a decade. It does seem a very dog-friendly place and of course there is the bonus of looking out for the red squirrels!

In common with many other beach resorts, there is a beach dog ban from May till October with a small portion of some beaches where dogs are allowed.
During that time you probably wont want to go on the crowded beaches anyway.

There are loads of forest and woodland walks and some nice coastal walks but be careful...many reports of dogs and/or their owners going over the edges of the cliff. The Isle of Wight is still quite wild in some places and not all fenced and health and safety proofed...part of its charm.

> The Hovercraft from Portsmouth also allows dogs!

Yes your right, just can't get the dogs up let alone down the steps!

Another thought. If you travel with the main company, you used to be able to book in advance and use Tesco vouchers to help with cost of your ticket.

I took the zois on holiday to Bembridge too, they thoroughly enjoyed the beach and the loVely walks, and the local butcher made the best sausages ever! :-)