St Catherine's Oratory

I recommend The Peeping Pepperpot hike by AA Walks. View on OS Maps here.

The walk to St. Catherine's Oratory is one of the Isle of Wight's most rewarding countryside walks, with panoramic views stretching across the island and out to sea. Parking is available just off the main road, where you'll also find bins, picnic benches and often an ice cream van - making it a great place to start or finish your walk.

From the car park, head up the steps and follow the uphill path towards St. Catherine's Oratory, also known as the Pepperpot. The climb is well worth the effort, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery along the way.

Once you're up on the downs, you'll find a large area of open countryside where many dogs enjoy stretching their legs. There is a risk of cows grazing in parts of the area, so always keep an eye out and be prepared to put your dog on a lead if needed. Outside of livestock areas, the wide open space makes this a fantastic walk for dogs that enjoy a good run.