Chillerton Down Circular
Isle of Wight
Chillerton Down rises above the small farming villages of Chillerton and Gatcombe in the middle of the Isle of Wight, a peaceful, sheep-grazed stretch of National Trust chalk downland where dogs stay on a lead, seeing far fewer walkers than the coast. It is open access land, and in spring its slopes are covered with harebells, scabious, orchids and knapweed, and strip lynchets show where it was ploughed in medieval times. This 7.2km circuit from a lay-by off Berry Shute climbs past a chalk pit to the ridge by the slim Chillerton Down radio transmitter, built in 1958, follows the top of the down to a bench and viewpoint, then loops back through copses, a sunken lane and past two dew ponds on the Bowcombe Estate. There is about 230 metres of ascent on grass and packed earth, with some steep sections.
This dog friendly walk is best for a dog that is happy on a lead for long stretches. Sheep graze the down to keep the grass short, and the valley below is a private shooting estate managed for pheasants and partridges, so the National Trust asks for dogs on a lead around livestock and wildlife. Four stiles can be awkward for bigger dogs. The open down is exposed with little shade and the dew ponds are for livestock, so carry water for your dog. Parking in the lay-by is free, and there are no facilities on the route.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 25 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route; nearest pubs and shops in Chillerton, Gatcombe and Newport.
- Parking
- Free off-road lay-by by the start of the bridleway from Berry Shute, Chillerton (not National Trust).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Chillerton Down Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Hayloft Cottage - Godshill
Sleeps 3 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £594 / 7 nights
Upper Dolcoppice Farmhouse
Sleeps 9 · 5 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,282 / 7 nights
Dairy Cottage - Carisbrooke
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £583 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in Isle of WightFrequently Asked Questions
Is Chillerton Down Circular dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this 7.2km circular walk across National Trust chalk downland in the heart of the Isle of Wight, and it earns a solid 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. It's a rewarding route for dogs that are comfortable walking on a lead, with wide views, spring wildflowers and a peaceful atmosphere well away from the busier coastal paths.
Can dogs be off lead at Chillerton Down Circular?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead for most of this walk. The down is grazed by sheep, and the valley below is a private shooting estate managed for pheasants and partridges, so the National Trust asks that dogs stay on a lead around livestock and wildlife throughout. It's a route best suited to dogs that are relaxed and settled on the lead.
What should I know before visiting Chillerton Down Circular with my dog?
There are a few things worth planning for before you set off. The route has four stiles that can be tricky for larger dogs, the open downland is exposed with little shade, and although there are two dew ponds on the route these are for livestock, so bring your own water for your dog. There are no facilities on the walk itself, but pubs and shops can be found in Chillerton, Gatcombe and nearby Newport, and parking in the lay-by at the start is free.
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