Right to Roam or Open Access Land.
“It is possible to walk on land which includes mountains, moors, heaths and down that are privately owned”.
I am quoting the Government Guidelines, because it is important to get this right. It is best not to cross the land of an unwelcoming land owner (or their game keeper).
You can access some land across England without having to use paths – this land is known as ‘open access land’ or ‘access land’.
Access land includes common land registered with the local council and some land around the England Coast Path.
Your right to access this land is called the ‘right to roam‘, or ‘freedom to roam‘, and that means walking, running, bird watching and climbing. Dogs on leads are allowed, but not other animals.
What you can and cannot do.
You can use access land for walking, running, watching wildlife and climbing.
There are certain activities you cannot usually do on open access land, including:
- horse-riding
- cycling
- camping
- taking animals other than dogs on to the land
- driving a vehicle (except mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs)
- water sports
If you enter the land on horse or cycle make sure you have the landowner’s permission,
or,
you are using brideways
or,
by-ways,
or
there are ‘local traditions’ allowing access.
Excepted Land – This is private, even if they appear on an open access map.
Use public rights of way to cross excepted land.
The ‘excepted land’ are fairly obvious for example:
railways,
tramways,
working quarries,
golf courses,
race courses,
building sites
land which is being developed,
land used to grow crops.
SIGNPOSTS
Information is available on the Government website.
https://www.gov.uk/right-of-way-open-access-land/use-your-right-to-roam
Or you could contact your local council e.g.
https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/recreation-rights-of-way
More information is available from Right to Roam.
https://www.righttoroam.org.uk
If you are keen to ‘defend open spaces in Britain’ there is the Open Spaces Society who fight to keep footpaths, commons and green spaces open. (www.oss.org.uk)