More Countryside Open for Summer

Countryside Agency Archive

Breadcrumbs

More Countryside Open for Summer - 25 June 2001

64% of Rights of Way in England are now open as counties previously closed because of Foot & Mouth continue to reopen. Most authorities in East Anglia reopened their remaining paths and bridleways this weekend, Shropshire is now 98% open and Cambridgeshire aims to open by the end of the month.

Ewen Cameron chairman of the Countryside Agency said: "It is excellent news for rural businesses and walkers alike that so much of the countryside is now being reopened. We have been working with local authorities to help them reopen rights of way since April. The Government's latest initiative to accelerate the reopening of remaining areas where possible in time for the summer visitor season is a much needed boost."

ENGLISH REGION Rights of Way Open 25.6.01

South East 92%

Eastern England 91%

East Midlands 77%

West Midlands 68%

South West 59%

North West 39%

Yorkshire & Humberside 32%

North East 22%

England 64%

National Parks 90% of the Peak District is now open, the HighFells in the Lake District and most of South and East Dartmoor. The Broads are now fully open.

National Trails The Peddar's Way & Norfolk Coast Path, South Downs Way and the Thames Path National Trail are now fully open, and also the Ridgeway and Cotswolds Way apart from a short diversion in each case. The first section of the Pennine Way has reopened from Edale to Blackstone Edge Reservoir.

NATIONAL PARK	STATUS
Broads	Fully open
Peak District	90% of rights of way (ROW) open
Dartmoor	All South & East of Park open
Lake District	17% open, mostly in High Fells
Exmoor	Small number of ROW open
North York Moors	All moor land and most ROW closed
Yorkshire Dales	All open access land closed
Northumberland	All ROW closed, reopening from 25 June

Most paths and all campsites in the New Forest Heritage Area are open.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rights of way fully open (mostly coastal):

Suffolk Coasts & Heaths

Chichester Harbour

Isle of Wight

Isles of Scilly

South Hampshire Coast

Surrey Hills

NATIONAL TRAIL	STATUS
Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path	Fully open
Thames Path	Fully open
South Downs Way	Fully open
Ridgeway	Fully open, one diversion
North Downs Way	Partly open, closures in Kent
South West Coast Path	Open Padstow to Poole
Pennine Way	Open from Edale to Blackstone Edge Reservoir
Cleveland Way	53 km open in sections
Wolds Way	Only small section open
Offa's Dyke Path	Mostly closed

The CotswoldWay (National Trail under development) is fully open with one short diversion.

When out in the country enjoying the newly reopened footpaths and bridleways, please take special care to protect the countryside from foot and mouth disease by following this Code:

If you have handled cattle, sheep, goats or pigs in the last 7 days please stay off all other farmland.

Do not go near, and never touch, handle or feed livestock :- if you come across them unexpectedly, move away slowly; if necessary re-trace your route.

Keep dogs on short leads where there are livestock.
In addition to this, in infected areas you will be asked not to take dogs on land where there are cattle.

Do not leave any waste food or litter.

Stay on the path and leave all gates as you find them.

Use disinfectant where provided.

Start your walk or ride with clean equipment, footwear and clothing

Notes to Editors

The latest information on reopened country parks, national parks, national trails and regional trails is available on request.

The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well being of the English countryside.

VISITOR INFORMATION

British Tourist Authority http://www.visitbritain.com/

Countryside Access Hotline: 08456-071071

ENGLAND

Countryside Agency website www.countryside.gov.uk

English Tourism Council www.englandgetaway.com

WALES

Wales Tourist Board www.visitwales.com

WTB Hotline 08080-100000

Countryside Council for Wales www.ccw.gov.uk

SCOTLAND

Scottish Tourist Board www.visitscotland.com Tel: 0131 332 2433