Open Access FAQ

How do I know which areas are Open Access?

Land mapped as open acess will be shown on the new Ordnance Survey Explorer map series and on the online maps on the Countryside Access web site. It generally comprises areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land although in certain places known as 'Excepted Land' access will be excluded. Such areas include dwellings, active mines and quarries and military byelawed land.

Access land will normally be indicated on the ground at key entry points by a new waymarking symbol (see below).

Can I walk wherever I want?

No. Open Access is not a ‘right to roam’ everywhere. You can walk on Access Land, but you must also look out for local restrictions.

• Access to buildings and access within 20 metres of a house is not allowed
• You can’t walk across arable land.
• Active quarries, railway lines and military bye-lawed land is also out of bounds.

The live firing area at the Otterburn army training estate falls into this last category. Despite this, one third of the estate (the dry training area) is not byelawed and thus is mapped as access land. For more details on access at Otterburn please go to the Otterburn information pages.

• You can, of course, always walk on existing Rights of Way

What can I do on access land?

You can do most recreational activities that are carried out on foot, such as walking, running, climbing, picnicking, photography, bird watching and so on.

What can’t I do on access land?

You can't:

• Cycle or horse ride on access land, except on existing bridleways or where access has been agreed with the landowner
• Take vehicles and motorcycles onto access land
• Camp, light fires or leave litter
• Swim, fish, metal detect, fly model aircraft or do any other activity without the permission of the landowner
• Take anything from the land, damage property or disrupt any lawful activity

Can I take my dog?

• Yes. However you must use a fixed lead of no more than 2 metres at all times near livestock, and from 1st March to 31st July as this is the bird nesting season.
• You may also find that dogs are excluded from grouse moors and lambing fields during the lambing season.
• Please keep a look out for signs which will explain this and look on the Countryside Access website which has up to date information an areas that have restrictions in place.
• You can of course still takes dogs on rights of way, and we would advise that you keep your dog on a lead when in these restricted areas.

Can I always walk on access land?

• Not always.  
• Farmers and landowners have the right to close their land sometimes.  This is usually for public safety, land management or nature conservation.
• If access is closed at any time, this will be shown on the maps displayed on the Countryside Access website and sometimes on signage.