03/07/2026
Islanders! Help our holidaymakers by sharing your favourite walking routes for these hot summers months! โ๏ธ
We recommend walking early morning and late evening to avoid the heat, but even the early hours can suffer from beaming sunshine, so weโd love to hear your favourite summer-safe routes๐บ๏ธ
I live in Shide so during the working week we stay local. Our Newport recommendations are:
โข Carisbrooke Castle ๐ฐFeaturing stunning woodland paths offering plenty of shade, plus the top field surrounding the castle is mostly shade in the early/late hours.
Whilst the main fields are in sun, the open space is lovely for off-lead walks, and the best part is the Ford at the bottom of the fields, perfect for a drink and a splash! ๐ฆWhilst plenty of dog walkers frequent here morning and night, thereโs enough space to avoid others should you wish, and the majority of walkers are very respectful if they see an on lead dog.
โ ๏ธHorses frequent here. Rabbits active in the evenings.
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Ample Parking | Poo Bins | Easy Terrain
โข Carisbrooke Water Meadows๐พ A stoneโs throw away from the Castle you can walk the picturesque water meadows. Shady, very quiet, and connecting to longer treks across to Gatcombe if you wish, this is an underrated walk.
โ ๏ธWarnings: Occasional livestock rotation
โขRed Squirrel Trail๐ฟ๏ธ We start at the Shide entrance opposite the garage/Indian restaurant. The walk consists of a long straight cycle track with the River Medina running alongside it. Scenic, full of nature sounds, ample shade & woodland cover, and plenty of water for dogs that love a swim/splash. Easily our favourite hot-day walk - it feel degrees cooler than anywhere else, dogs can be constantly cool & soggy, and you have full visibility of whatโs ahead so owners with reactive dogs can see oncoming triggers, and owners with dogs off lead can recall theirs with ample warning when needed.
โ ๏ธCyclists | Horses | Mud potential off-path
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Car Park | Poo Bin | Paved Walking
๐ซตNow letโs here your favourites! Did you know you can share photos in the comments section too?๐ธโฌ๏ธ
