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Taking a walk in the countryside is a great way to discover new places and enjoy the beauty of the British landscape. There are all kinds of walks, trails and routes to choose from. Whether you are a committed hiker or a casual rambler, you’ll find something suited to your interests and abilities.
Public access areas
Public access areas are areas of mountain, moor, common land, heath and down where you can walk freely without having to follow paths. These areas are open to people who want to walk, run, hike, climb or watch wildlife. However, horse riding, bike riding, water sports and camping are not allowed.
You can find out where you can go in the English countryside by visiting the Countryside Access website. For Wales, visit the Countryside Council for Wales website. Your outdoor access rights and responsibilities in Scotland are explained on the Outdoor Access Scotland website.
National Trails
National Trails were created to enable people to enjoy some of the finest landscapes in England and Wales. The first route to be opened was the Pennine Way in 1965.
National Trails are long distance paths intended for cycling, walking and horse riding. Maintained to a high standard, they are signposted and marked by an acorn symbol to help you find your way. There are 15 National Trails in England and Wales. They consist of local footpaths, bridleways and minor roads, altogether totalling about 2,500 miles. In Scotland there are four National Trails, known as ‘long distance routes’.
Public rights of way
England has about 118,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways, byways and other rights of way. As a member of the public, you are entitled to use any of these pathways for leisure, work or convenience.
All pathways are clearly marked with coloured arrows to show how they can be used:
• Footpath – yellow arrow: open to walkers only
• Bridleway - blue arrow: open to cyclists, horse riders and walkers
• Byway – red arrow: open to all walkers, cyclists, horse riders and motor vehicles
Conservation walks and rides
Farmers are encouraged to protect and conserve the English landscape and wildlife through various schemes and initiatives, such as the:
• Countryside Stewardship Scheme
• Environmental Stewardship Scheme
• Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme
These schemes pay grants to farmers to provide public access to areas of high natural, historic or conservation value. This enables people to appreciate and enjoy unique and important parts of the English countryside. You can walk or ride in these areas, and there are also a number of routes designed for less able users.
Follow the Countryside Code
If you want to get the best out of the countryside, you should follow the Countryside Code at all times. Following the Code also helps to protect and preserve rural areas now and for the future.
Key Point summary
• be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs
• leave gates and property as you find them
• protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
• keep dogs under close control
Led walks
Led walks are walks that are headed by trained leaders who can provide useful information and advice. Most led walks have a leader at the front and back, so you don’t have to worry about getting left behind.
Walk leaders can tell you how fast you should be walking in order to really benefit from your excursion. You can find out about led and independent walks from the Walking for Health Initiative.
• consider other people
Source: Direct Gov
