Safe access to the countryside: guidance for land managers and visitors

As the fair weather of spring and summer approaches, many families, often accompanied by their dogs, head into the countryside. England’s 140,000 miles of public rights of way and 3.5m acres of access land provide plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, but visitors must also be mindful of the potential challenges when enjoying what the countryside has to offer.

Below is a short guide to safe public access for both land managers and users.

England’s extensive public rights of way network provides an easy way to explore the countryside on designated routes, many of which are accessible directly from local communities. Routes are usually well signed from metalled roads and along the way, making them straightforward to follow. To help with direction, additional sources of information include Ordnance Survey maps, the Ordnance Survey app and the online version of the definitive map.

National Trails are designated long-distance paths showcasing some of the UK’s most iconic landscapes. They can be tackled as full long-distance challenges or enjoyed in shorter, more manageable sections. These routes are waymarked with the familiar acorn symbol on signposts. Further details are available on the National Trails website.

Around 80% of the 2,689mile King Charles III England Coast Path is now open, with the remaining sections expected to be completed by the end of 2026. While enjoying coastal access land, users should follow the Countryside Code and exercise particular caution near cliff edges, where slips or trips can be fatal. Children and dogs should be closely supervised, as excitement can distract them from potential hazards. It is also essential to check tide times if your route crosses a beach, to avoid the risk of being cut off. More guidance on coastal safety can be found here.

The military training estate covers around 845,000 acres across the UK, much of which is accessible to the public, subject to military byelaws and clear warning signs such as red flags or lamps indicating live firing. When visiting these areas, people should avoid wooded zones, which may contain hazards such as military wire, and never touch unidentified metal objects, as they may be explosive. Over Easter 2026, the former villages of Imber and Tyneham will be open to visitors. Requisitioned during the Second World War, they remain part of the training estate and provide a unique insight into their history. Visitors should stick to marked routes and follow all instructions from the Training Safety Team. Further advice on safe access to military land is available in the online guide.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (commonly known as CROW) introduced a right of access on foot to certain areas of land for open-air recreation. Permitted activities include walking, birdwatching, running, climbing and sightseeing. Some activities are explicitly excluded on access land, such as cycling, horse riding, paddle sports, camping and metal detecting – although these may still be allowed where public rights of way cross the land. Commercial activities are also prohibited without landowner consent. More information on access rights and land manager responsibilities can be found here.

Many visitors will also be bringing dogs with them this Easter. On 18 March 2026, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act came into force, marking a significant step forward in protecting farmed animals in England and Wales. The updated law extends protection to llamas and alpacas, strengthens police powers to seize and detain dogs involved in livestock worrying or attacks, and increases the maximum penalty on conviction to an unlimited fine.

Finally, the Countryside Code provides clear advice for users on enjoying the countryside responsibly, as well as guidance for land managers on managing access. Additional helpful resources include Ordnance Survey’s Get Outside knowledge hub, which covers basic map-reading, compass skills and safety tips, and the CLA Advice Hub, which offers practical support for landowners managing public access.