Coast and Country Canines

Bembridge and St Helens Duver

Discover a stunning coastal walk with breathtaking views across the Solent and plenty of open green spaces that are perfect for off lead play.

In winter, Bembridge becomes a haven for migratory birds who travel thousands of miles from places as far as Siberia to feed in its rich habitats. Along the route, we’ve marked the best spots to catch a glimpse of these incredible visitors. When you reach these areas, be sure to keep your dog close to avoid disturbing the wildlife and help protect this special environment.

Route details

St Helen’s Duver Long Stay Car Park Duver Road, St Helens, Ryde PO33 1XZ. 

What3Words location:///radiating.promote.slumped

Facilities: The car park is pay and display. There are toilets and a café along the promenade (opening hours vary seasonally for both of these facilities).
Easy to moderate - there are slopes and uneven ground
Around an hour with time to play and sniff
Approximately 1.2 miles

Begin walk

1.

Start at St Helen’s Church and then walk past the carpark with the sea to your left.

St Helen's Church and the neighbouring patch of green grass under bright white sun and a blue sky.

2.

Walk along the promenade – you will pass the café and public toilets.

Between a 1 May and 30 September dogs must be kept on lead while walking along the promenade. During the winter months at low tides, you may spot coastal birds such as curlews and oystercatchers feeding on the mudflats. Be sure to allow any birdlife you see plenty of space.

A promenade lined with picnic benches, a cafe and a yellow toilet block.
The end of the promenade - steps lead down to the shingle.

3.

Keep walking straight along the promenade until you reach the end of the promenade.

4.

Follow the shingle pathway along the top of the beach and keep going until you reach the large house (pictured). Follow the path around to the right, with the house to your left and the bushes to your right.

A large house with scaffolding. The narrow path runs down the right side of the house.
Bushes line a brown dirt path. An arow points towards the track leading to the right,

5.

When the path splits, follow it to the right.

6.

Walk up and over the hill.

A track leads over a grassy hill.

7.

On the other side, you should see some, grey buildings. There’s lots of open green space here that’s perfect for off-lead play.

A black and white terrier plays on a grassy open space next to a large building.

8.

Continue forward until you reach a road. You may want to put your dog on lead before crossing as although the road is quiet, it is used by motorists.

 

A road lined with wooden posts. Across the road is an open grassy area.

9.

Once you have crossed the road, walk across the grass towards the sea for some lovely views. Please ensure that you and your dog stay on the path or the grassy area as there may be sensitive birdlife feeding on the mudflats at low tide.

A small wrecked boat sits on the shore. There is a view over the sea.

10.

Now, with the trees to you left, walk across the grass away from the sea with the treeline to your left. This is another ideal opportunity for some off lead play or training.

An open grassy space with an arrow indicating to walk around it to the left.

11.

You could stop and take a look at the fairy tree on your way.

A bare tree adorned with ribbons and ornaments.

12.

Walk back towards the road and cross over.

A road lined with wooden posts.

13.

You should then see a small hill. Walk up the hill and then down the other side (a small car park will be to your right).

A grassy hill with some short wooden posts at the bottom.
A sandy track cuts through green grass. There is a large tree to the left.

14.

You should also see a sandy path that leads through a gap in the trees. Follow this path.

15.

The path comes out at a more open space and a fenced off caravan. Walk up the narrow path alongside the caravan.

A sandy, sloped pathway leads through some shrubbery.

16.

You should now be back on the promenade. Walk with the sea to your right all the way back to St Helen’s church.

The promenade, with the sea to the right.
St Helen's Duver Map

Other walks near by