Right To Roam - more correctly Open Access Land

What is commonly known as the "Right to Roam" stems from the provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and subsequent Commencement orders.

Full details can be seen on the Natural England website

From 31 October 2005, members of the public became entitled to walk across some of the best countryside in England. The Natural England website gives access to detailed maps of areas where the "Right to Roam" now exist.

New OS maps also designate the areas as follows:

Access Land Boundary and Tint

Access Land in Wooded Areas

Rights of Way are not affected.

However, do not run away with the idea that "Right to Roam" means you can go exactly where you like when you like.

• The right does not extend to horseriders, cyclists or vehicles.

• Landowners will still be able to close the land for up to 28 days a year - see Footpath Closures page

• Gardens, parks and cultivated land are excluded.

• You can only walk a dog on existing Rights of Way.

In essence, it applies to mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land. However historical footpaths have arisen for a reason, usually from the easiest/driest route across a given area. It may therefore be worth asking yourself whether there is actually much point in wandering off these tracks for the sake of it, unless there is an area you particularly want to explore. If the track is one which has been specially strengthened (stone/chippings/boarding etc) going off track may cause environmantal damage.

There was a sting in the tail of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

It imposed a deadline of 1 January 2026, after which it would not be possible to apply for footpaths and bridleways, or higher rights, to be added to the definitive map on the basis of historical documentary evidence (historical is classed as pre-1949). This deadline was extended to 1 January 2031 because of COVID.

In December 2024, the Labour government decided to scrap the cut-off date saying that scrapping the cut-off date would give councils time to assess whether paths met the requirements. Given that financial pressures have reduced resources for councils, this is good news for walkers. However, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) said removing the deadline would mean claims would "continue to disrupt many farm businesses for years to come". This was why the cut-off date was introduced in the first place. 

Further information is contained on the Gov.UK website  and Ramblers Association website.

It is believed there are many Rights of Way which are not clearly defined on any maps, possibly extending to 40,000 miles, even though they might have have waymarkers on the ground.

All information on this site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any damage, loss or injury which might result from acting on it.