What’s the law on walks ?

[Ruella]

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Hi again

May seem a silly question but I have recently moved nearer to the country side and me and the pups are loving starting to explore the country side .. but I never know quite how far I’m allowed to explore .. what fields I’m allowed to enter extra ? Are there any set rules on what you have to follow ? I get so confused and at the moment we are just following the one footpath but there is so much beautiful countryside out there!! Thanks in advance me , Fred and Toby

 

[JoanneF]

Are you in England? It's different from Scotland .

 

[Ragsysmum]

If in England it seems to vary a lot depending where you live. If you meet any local regular dog walkers they should be able to help you with the local rules. Here dogs are not supposed to go into fields but stick to roads, paths and tracks though most farmers don't seem to mind dogs running on stubble fields. They certainly should not be allowed to run through and amongst growing crops though.

 

[JudyN]

A lot of open spaces near us ask that dogs are kept to the main paths, particularly from around February to September, to protect ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. Most people ignore this, or semi-ignore it, pointing out that the cattle that are grazed to protect the heathland ecology can walk where they want, but I avoid going too far off-piste, and Jasper tends to stay fairly close to me.

A good OS map, or a website such as OpenStreetMap, should mark the public footpaths.

 

[Dibbythedog]

This might be of help

Footpath Maps: free online ordnance survey map and public footpath finder app UK


Footpaths are supposed to sign posted . Its best to keep your dog on a lead in case you come across any sheep or cattle grazing.

 

[Josie]

Lots of ‘public footpath’ signs in the south west through farmers fields.
Would always keep dogs on lead if live stock around if not they can go off.

 

[Jack-Russell-Lover]

I would also like info on this, I live in Wales and someone recently told me that in Wales it's 'free to roam' meaning you can walk anywhere, farm fields etc even if there are no public walkway signs and the owner can't kick you off. I don't believe this myself so just stick to public footpaths (which there are very few of) and the occasional field if the gate has been left open and there's no one around...

 

[Kara 1]

Here in south Hampshire we are only allowed in fields with footpaths through (public right of way )and bridleways ...we are lucky that there are lots from our front doorstep...and woods to walk in ...
My mum rented grazing land for 25 yrs and there was no public right of way but people still walked through sometimes bringing bikes ....despite putting signs up explaining there was no right of way and the horses were easily spooked one couple refused to abide and continually walked through the field..they had to climb a 4ft barbed wire fence
After a bit of detective work I found out where they lived ...a detached bungalow on a private estate ....on a sunny morning me and my mum set up 2 camping chairs and sat on their front lawn...after 20 mins they came outside and asked what the hell were we doing on their lawn ..well you don't mind walking and sometimes having a picnic on our private land so we didn't think you would mind ....Their faces were a picture and needless to say we never saw them coming into the field again

 

[Caro Perry]

I would also like info on this, I live in Wales and someone recently told me that in Wales it's 'free to roam' meaning you can walk anywhere, farm fields etc even if there are no public walkway signs and the owner can't kick you off. I don't believe this myself so just stick to public footpaths (which there are very few of) and the occasional field if the gate has been left open and there's no one around...

No you are correct - the right to roam rules are the same as England and you can't just walk anywhere. We're lucky in the North as we have great expanses of land that we can access legally.

 

[Jack-Russell-Lover]

I love what you and your mum did @Kara 1 the cheek of them.. that must have been so funny!
I'm glad it worked!

Thanks @Caro Perry I thought so.

 

[Ruella]

Thankyou for your advice everyone .. sorry I should of said I am England, Worcestershire. I will try downloading the open street maps and see if I find any new footpaths to venture

 

[JoanneF]

Rights of way and accessing land

This describes your rights and responsibilities.

 

[Jack-Russell-Lover]

How do you use an ordnance survey map?
I’ve looked at it and it doesn’t look like footpaths are actually marked

 

[Mad Murphy]

Maybe something like a route via the ramblers assc would work better for you..
You can type in your postcode and the distance you are willing to go then it searches for you.
Find a walk or route - Ramblers
Find free walks near me - Walking Britain