Newtown estuary, a national nature reserve of remote, flat landscape of mud-flats, salt marshes, ancient woodlands and meadows, accessed from a rickety bridge with boggy mud-flats on both sides. There are actually five estuaries to explore, crammed with exotically-named flora and fauna.

St. Boniface down, high above south coast Ventnor and Bonchurch. This is an energetic walk uphill past grazing sheep but well worth it for panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and beyond.

The walking with dinosaurs territory at Hanover point and the surfers’ paradise Compton Bay, where you might stumble on the clay footprint of a dinosaur from 120 million years bc and your dog might unearth a prehistoric bone.

Freshwater causeway, a long, flat waterside walk to Yarmouth estuary – great for a sustained run. Once an old railway track, this scenic route along the river estuary is one of the best places to spot a host of birdlife and, if you are lucky, red squirrels.

The ‘little Colorado’ landscape above St. Catherine’s lighthouse, spectacular for its unparalleled views of the disappearing cliffs of south coast Isle of Wight. This is the perfect dog walk away from civilisation with splendid views of majestic red cliffs all around, some challenging hill walking (a real test of fitness levels) and the option to clamber down, through admittedly-boggy land, to a long stretch of virgin sand below.

Tennyson down, the famous cliff walk from freshwater westward towards the Needles. This is a dramatic walk through a part of the island deservedly designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Bonchurch landslip, a 1½ mile cliff walk from Victorian Bonchurch along narrow leafy lanes to pretty Luccombe Chine, with the sea far below. This is an area of continuing cliff erosion, so expect the changes to the walk as time progresses.

The Isle of Wight boasts over 25 miles of beaches, most of them sandy and many open to dogs and their owners away from the summer season – places like fossil-rich Brook on the south coast and Fort Victoria, near Yarmouth, which backs onto acres of densely wooded country park. If you don’t know them, try these:

Ventnor, a long expanse of red sand beach with crashing waves. Great in winter, whether you’re on two legs or four, it’s all about beating the tide on Ventnor beach. Breakers come crashing into the red sands, knocking the adventurous flat. The game is to avoid getting drenched.

The Duver, at low tide this east coast resort near Bembridge is a feast of rock-pools. The Isle of Wight may be famous for its sandy beaches but the rock-pools and this long shingle stretch make great exploring for dogs and children.

Tiny Steephill cove, west of Ventnor, is a well-kept local secret. Accessed down a steep, narrow lane, what this beach lacks in sand, it makes up in rock pools. It’s a great place for beachcombing and sniffing out all manner of treasures.

The network of rural walks, each with well-marked footpaths, around Shorwell, one of the island’s prettiest villages. There is such a diversity of choice that the length of walks is entirely up to you – but do take an ordinance survey map to guide you. All of the walks lead back to the Crown Inn, an attractive pub, quaint but with a roomy interior and a charming garden with a stream running through it.