Website of the UK government

Public access areas

Public access areas are areas of mountain, moor, common land, heath and down across which 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, you can visit the Countryside Council for Wales website.

• Open Access information from the Countryside Access website Opens new window
• Countryside Council for Wales Opens new window
• More details on access to the countryside from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Opens new window

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'.

• More about National Trails, England and Wales Opens new window
• More about long distance routes, Scotland Opens new window

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.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has details of the walks available in each county. It also provides maps to help you find your way.

• Find countryside walks and rides Opens new window

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. You can find full details of the Countryside Code on the Countryside Access website, but here are some of the key points in 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
• consider other people

A short video featuring Creature Comforts characters has been created to help promote the Countryside Code. You can find this video on the Countryside Access website.

• Full details of the Countryside Code Opens new window
• Access the Creature Comforts video Opens new window
• Download the Countryside Code and other information materials (PDF, 748KB) Opens new window
• Help with PDF files

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.

• Find a walking group in your area Opens new window
• Find a led walk in your area Opens new window

More useful links

• Exploring forests and woodland