New places to walk will become available in the South West later this month when the new right of public access is introduced in Cornwall, Devon and western Somerset.
Countryside Agency Archive

Breadcrumbs

Walking into history - 22nd August 2005

New places to walk will become available in the South West later this month when the new right of public access is introduced in Cornwall, Devon and western Somerset, opening up parts of the countryside that were previously off-limits to the public.

On Sunday 28 August - as part of a national roll-out of a new right of public access - almost 96,000 hectares of moor, mountain, heath, down and registered common land in the three counties will be declared ‘open’: places where the public can walk freely, without the need to stick to paths. 

The South West is the sixth English region where the new rights will be introduced. The rollout of the rights began in the South East and Lower North West regions of England on 19 September 2004 and will be completed by 31 October this year when the final two regions come on stream.

Dr Tayo Adebowale, of the Countryside Agency, said "This is really good news for people who want to walk in the glorious South West of England. The new right of open access means that an additional 370 square miles of open country and registered common land is available for walkers to explore.

“We want to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the countryside. Of course, with new rights come new responsibilities, so it is important to follow the Countryside Code. For information on the Countryside Code and where to walk in the countryside, have a look at our website www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk. This gives advice on how to get the best enjoyment possible whilst helping to protect the countryside now and for future generations."

To celebrate, a wide range of walks is taking place on the Sunday of August Bank Holiday weekend and in the following two weeks - many of them taking in countryside that was previously off-limits to the public. The line-up includes expert-led tours of the spectacular National Nature Reserve on The Lizard, new views of the historic mining area around Geevor Tin Mine, and a rally and ramble from Venford Reservoir, Devon, along the Henroost Mine Track. (Please see Related Articles box on the right for the full list.) 

The new rights extend to most open-air recreational activities carried out on foot, including walking, wildlife watching, climbing and running. They do not include riding a horse or bike, water sports, or camping – although, where these activities take place already, whether by right or permission, they will continue unaffected.

In addition, Ordnance Survey is bringing out a new series of 1:25 000 Explorer maps showing where open access land lies, and new signage and information boards will be going up across the region.    

Map-makers at Ordnance Survey have used information supplied by the Countryside Agency to clearly show the new ‘open access’ areas, using a light yellow tint surrounded by a narrow, pale orange border. The first South West OS Explorer Maps to use the new colorations will be on sale by 28 August, covering Exmoor, Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, many of the most popular coastal areas, and the Blackdown and Quantock Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A further 13 will be published by 3 October. (Please see Notes for a full list and reference numbers.)

www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk gives full details of the arrangements for the new public right of access to open country in South West England and also contains special tips for dog owners, alongside a wealth of ideas on where to go and what to do in the English countryside. A list of South West access launch walks can also be reached from the site. Other features include a fun zone where there are games and competitions for children.

Ends

For media enquiries, please contact Pam Beddard, Regional Publicist, 0117 987 0442 or 07767 621207, or Matthew Heard, Countryside Agency press office, on 01242 533 476.

Photographs/graphics can be supplied showing examples of access land, what the new access sign looks like and the front cover of a new OS Explorer map. To obtain (as hard copies or electronically), please contact Pam Beddard on 0117 987 0442 or Matthew Heard on 01242 533476.

Notes for editors 

1. A list of the walks taking place in the South West on Sunday 28 August or soon after appears on a separate sheet. You are most welcome to join in any of the events. See the list for local contacts. Members of the public can access the list via www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.  

2.   For access mapping purposes, the South West is Cornwall, Devon and the Taunton Deane and West Somerset districts of Somerset. The right commenced in eastern Somerset on 14 December 2004 (with Bath, Bristol, Dorset and Wiltshire).

3.   The total amount of open country and registered common land being opened in the South West is 95,862 hectares (370 square miles). Of this, more than half is new access land (53,498 hectares; 206 square miles). A more detailed breakdown is available on request. By the end of the year, the rights will cover over 1 million hectares (4000 square miles) of land in England. Separate arrangements apply to Scotland and Wales.  

4. Access land is shown on the new series of Ordnance Survey Explorer maps as an area of yellow tint surrounded by a light orange border. The first OS Explorer maps for the South West are out this month (£6.99p), covering:

  • Exmoor (OL9)
  • South Devon (OL20)
  • Dartmoor (OL28)
  • Bodmin Moor (109)
  • Torquay & Dawlish (110)
  • Bude, Boscastle & Tintagel (111)
  • Exeter & The Exe Valley (114)
  • Clovelly & Hartland (126)
  • Taunton & Blackdown Hills (128)
  • Bideford, Ilfracombe & Barnstaple (139)
  • Quantock Hills & Bridgwater (140)    

The next will be published on the 3 October 2005, covering  Land's End (102), The Lizard (103), Redruth & St Agnes (104), Falmouth & Mevagissey (105), Newquay & Padstow (106), St Austell & Liskeard (107), Lower Tamar Valley & Plymouth (108), Launceston & Holsworthy (112), Okehampton (113), Exmouth & Sidmouth (115), Lyme Regis & Bridport (116), South Molton & Chulmleigh (127).

Ordnance Survey press office:

Bryn Jones
E-mail: bryn.jones@ordnancesurvey.co.uk
Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2708

5.   It is important to be clear that the new right applies only to mapped areas of access land. Mapped land is not always accessible, as temporary or longer-term restrictions may be needed, to protect public safety, enable proper land management, reduce fire risk and/or protect livestock or important nature habitats, especially at key breeding times.  Special rules apply to pets in some places. Dogs must be kept on a short lead during the ground-nesting bird breeding season from 1 March to 31 July and at all time near farm animals. 

6. Full copies of the Countryside Code and Moorland Visitors Code are available from many visitor and tourism outlets throughout the South West or from the Countryside Agency web site at www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk. 

7. Further information is available to farmers and land managers from the Open Access Contact Centre on 0845 100 3298.