A Right of Way
A right of way in the countryside is a footpath, a bridleway or a byway. On footpaths the public has a right of way on foot only. On bridleways it is also a right of way on horseback and on a pedal cycle. Byways are open to all classes of traffic, including motor vehicles.
Legally, a public right of way is part of the Queen's highway and subject to the same protection in law as all other highways, including trunk roads. The public may pass and repass along the way, and also take a 'natural accompaniment' which includes a dog or pram/pushchair. However, it is necessary to ensure that dogs are under control.
Rights of way are shown on the definitive maps of public rights of way and may be inspected at county, unitary, district and outer London borough council offices. Some are available for inspection in public libraries. Information can also be found in Ordnance Surveys maps -
Pathfinder (1 : 25,000)
Landranger (1 : 50,000)
However, these may not always be complete, as all local authorities have not finalised their recordings.
Horses have a right to use bridleways, as the name implies, but anyone who drives a vehicle on a footpath or bridleway without permission is committing an offence.
Bulls of a recognised breed (British Friesians, Jersey, Dairy Shorthorn, etc) are banned from fields with rights of way under all circumstances.
Trespass
The civil tort of trespass arises from the bare fact of unauthorised entry. However, unless injury to the property can be proven, a landowner would normally only recover minimal damages by suing in such a case.
In Scotland there are rights of way, and the law relating to them is similar in some respects to that which applies south of the border. Rights of way do not have to be recorded - as in England and Wales - on definitive maps. A few have been signposted by local authorities.
Right to Roam
The Countryside & Right of Way (CRoW) Act creates a legal right of access on foot to areas of open, uncultivated countryside, allowing walkers to explore away from paths on approximately four million acres of mountain, heath, down and common land on England and Wales. It includes safeguards to protect the environment and landowners' interests and will not allow people to walk through private gardens or over crops.
The Act may, in future, be extended to coastal land, although this will be subject to consultation and a full impact assessment. The Act does not apply to Scotland.
The CRoW Act is now (from 30th November 2000) in the statute book, but no one will be able to enjoy the new right for 3-4 years. Until conclusive maps showing where the Act will apply are published and restrictions have been agreed, there is no freedom to roam over areas of open country, there would still be a trespass.
There are various restrictions, e.g. dropping litter, lighting fires, damage to plant or animal life, or bathing in non-tidal waters. It does not allow camping or organised games, and the Act does not distinguish between access during the day or night, although local restrictions could affect access at night.
Landowners may close or restrict access to their land for up to 28 days per year, including Saturdays and Sundays, for any reason. Landowners may apply for further closures or restrictions for reason of land management, fire risk or danger to the public.
The Ramblers' Association (in membership of the CCPR) has a great deal of literature and advice which could prove helpful.
Contact:
The Ramblers' Association
2nd Floor
Camelford House
87-90 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7TW
Tel: 020 7339 8500
Website: www.ramblers.org.uk
WALKING AS A RECREATION
The Ramblers' Association provide a very good service for those wishing to take part in a range of walks, however, there are those wishing to test themselves on more strenuous walks. The Long Distance Walkers' Association Ltd (LDWA) have defined long distance walks - 631 listed - as being 20 miles or more, which may be completed as a day-long or multi-day walk. The route will be in rural areas and off the roads.
The two longest walks are: Lands End to John O'Groats - 1368km / 850 miles
Monarch's Way: from Worcester to Shoreham - 981km / 609 miles
Mid-distance walks include:
Pennine Way: from Edale (Derbyshire) to Kirk Yetholm - 404km / 251 miles
Central Scottish Way: from Milngavie (East Dunbarton) to Byrness (Northumberland) - 251km / 156 miles
Shorter Walks include:
Nidderdale Way: from lowland pastures to Pateley Bridge and attractive open fells near the source of the River Nidd - 85km / 53 miles
Welsh 3000s: Start summit of Snowden (Caenarfon), the crossing of 15 Snowdonian summits over 3,000ft (a hard walk) - 47km / 29 miles
Source: A comprehensive directory of these long distance walks in the UK is The Long Distance Walking Association Directory of Long Distance Paths, giving national trails to those which are less demanding, and it describes paths where a written route is available, together with details of:
. Start and finish points
. Ordnance Survey Landranger maps required
. Forms of waymarking
. Available publications
. Sources of further information
The Handbook is also available from:
The Ramblers' Association Long Distance Walking Association
2nd Floor Publications
Camelforth House 2 Sandy Lane
87-90 Albert Embankment Beeston
London Nottingham
SE1 7TW NG9 3GS
Tel: 020 7339 8500
Website: www.ramblers.org.uk
Scotland: The LDWA's maps of walks in Scotland are few in number, and those planning walks should consult the publication Scottish Hill Tracks published by the Scottish Rights of Way Society and the Scottish Mountaineering Trust - obtainable from:
Scottish Rights of Way Society
24 Annandale Street
Edinburgh
EH7 4AN
Tel: 0131 652 2937
Badges and certificates are available for those completing many of these UK walks from:
P&R Pennants Ltd
13D Queensway
Stern Lane Industrial Estate
New Milton
Hampshire
BH25 5NN
Tel: 01425 611911
NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK (NCN)
A charity, Sustrans, is the UK organisation responsible for the development of a National Cycle Network. The NCN was launched in June 2000 as a Millennium project and the goal is to provide 9,000 miles of safe cycle routes by 2005. Several key stages have already been established and the main network is shown on the map overleaf. In addition to these major routes there are many local routes which are shown in regional leaflets. There is also information on cycle routes to schools.
Contact:
Sustrans
35 King Street
Bristol
BS1 4DZ
Tel: 0117 929 0888
Website: www.sustrans.org.uk
HEALTHY SCHOOL STANDARD (HSS)
The HSS is a joint initiative of the Department of Education & Skills (launched in May 1998). The programme aims to raise awareness of the opportunities in schools for improving the health of children and teachers, as well as families and the local community. The scheme encourages schools to develop a healthy school and community links.
The DfES's National Healthy School Standard - Guidance states that part of a healthy schools criteria for assessment should include encouraging its staff and pupils to consider cycling and/or walking to and from schools.
For more information visit: www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk
NATIONAL PARKS
There are 11 National Parks in England and Wales - areas of natural beauty protected by Government:
Wales:
·
Brecon Beacons
·
Pembrokeshire Coast
·
Snowdonia
England:
·
The Broads
·
Dartmoor
·
Peak District
·
Exmoor
·
Lake District
·
Northumberland
·
North York Moors
·
South Downs (Designation Order)
·
Yorkshire Dales
All these parks are in membership of the Association of National Parks Authority. National Parks - most of the land is privately owned - have a remit for recreation interests and this is most obvious in Parks such as the Broads (water activities), the Lake District (water activities, hill walking and climbing), Snowdonia (mountain activities) and the Yorkshire Dales (fell walking, water activities and caving). Not least is the Parks' development and maintenance of access paths and arrangements - usually by agreement - for visiting popular areas. There are occasional problems for sport, as illustrated by the proposed motorboat 10 mph restriction on Lake Windermere.
It was recently proposed that two further National Parks should be added in England for the New Forest and South Downs, and now a bill before the Scottish Parliament proposes for that part of the UK also to have National Parks. With Modernising Government, Best Value, Regional Developments in all its senses and adaptation to new EU funding regimes, it is easy to see that the National Parks working context has changed and is still changing.
The devolution of domestic government to Wales and Scotland has had a substantial effect on the National Parks scene. In Wales the National Assembly now appoints a third of the members, and more importantly, provides 75% of the eligible funding.
In Scotland the Parliament decided that National parks are to be the way forward. As a result Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the Cairngorms are receiving recognition.
At last the UK island's finest landscapes will be properly recognised for its recreational, social and environmental value.
Forestry Commission
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AE
Tel: 0131 334 0303
Website: www.forestry.gov.uk
The Commission has become a major provider of outdoor recreation in the UK. First established in 1919, this body was reconstituted in the Forestry Act of 1967. It is responsible for promoting the interests of forestry and the production of timber and forest products in the UK. It is also concerned with the social and recreational implications of afforestation, having special regard to the desirability of conserving the nature the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside.
The Commission's work has considerably enlarged the recreational facilities available to the general public - these include an extensive network of walking, mountain biking and horse riding trails.
NATIONAL & COMMUNITY FORESTS
The National Forest and the 12 Community Forests have been in existence since the early '90s. These new forests are multi-use woodlands, promoted by government through DEFRA, and situated close to large centres of population. They are a means by which dramatic cultural changes are being brought about through economic, environmental and social regeneration in areas previously despoiled through industry and mineral extraction. A major aim of the forests is to create opportunities for sport and recreation and to encourage healthy, active lifestyles close to people's homes avoiding the need to travel long distances.
The facilities they provide vary, but all include systems of footpaths, bridleways and cycleways linking focal points of interest within the forests and also linking into wider networks, such as the National Cycle Network. Other activities include orienteering, equestrian pursuits, bouldering, a wide range of water sports, using both enclosed and linear waters, and efforts are being made to locate suitable venues for two- and four-wheeled motor sports and many other initiatives.
Further information is available from:
The National Urban Forestry Unit
The Science Park
Stafford Road
Wolverhampton
WV10 9RT
Tel: 01902 828600
www.nufu.org.uk
THE COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY
John Dower House
Crescent Place
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 3RA
Tel: 01242 521381
Website: www.countryside.gov.uk
The Agency - formerly called the Countryside Commission - is the English statutory body, working:
. To conserve and enhance the countryside
. To promote social equity and economic opportunity for the people who live there
. To help everyone, wherever they live, to enjoy their national asset
The Countryside Agency works to achieve the very best for the English countryside:
. Its people and places
. Leading with research and advice
. Influencing others, especially central and local government
. Demonstrating ways forward through practical projects
The Agency also has an interest in, and remit for, recreation and tourism.
THE COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES
The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is the Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its inshore waters. Through its partners it promotes the protection of landscape, opportunities for enjoyment and the support of those who live and work in and manage the countryside. More information on CCW is available by visiting their Website: www.ccw.gov.uk
SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE
Battlesby
Redgorton
Perth
PH1 3EW
Tel: 01738 444177
Website: www.snh.org.uk
Scottish Natural Heritage is the Government body responsible to the Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament. There is a remit for recreation and tourism. The mission statement is:
Working with Scotland's people to care for our natural heritage.
The aim: Scotland's natural heritage is a local and global asset. They promote its care and improvement, its responsible enjoyment, its greater understanding and appreciation and its sustainable use now, and for future generations.
Northern Ireland Environment & Heritage Service
Tel: 028 90 251477
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency combines the work previously done by the National Rivers Authority (NRA), her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution (HMIP) and the waste regulation authorities.
Its main aim is to secure the environmental protection of water, land and air. The Agency has major responsibilities for management and regulation of rivers and the water environment, for controlling industrial pollution and for regulating the disposal of wastes. Their recent, most important role was as leader for the October/November 2000 floods.
The Agency has a number of statutory duties in respect of recreation, access and amenity, which extend to all inland and coastal waters and associated land. These include; the promotion of the use of water and associated land for recreational purposes; to make the best recreational use of land or water in the Agency's control; to have regard to the effects on the beauty and amenity areas of proposals relating to any Agency function; and to have regard to preserving access to places of natural beauty/recreation in proposals relating to any Agency function other than pollution control.
The Agency also has specific navigation responsibilities in four of its regions including lengths of the Medway, Thames, Nene, Great Ouse and system, and several East Anglian rivers.
Address:
The Environment Agency
Waterside Drive
Aztec West
Almondsbury
Bristol
B532 4UD
Tel: 01454 624374
Fax: 01454 624033
NATURE ORGANISATIONS
The body previously known as the Nature Conservancy Council was set up in 1973 with the responsibility for conservation of flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features throughout England, with similar arrangements for Wales and Scotland, which are independent.
England:
English Nature
North Minster House
Peterborough
PE1 1UV
Tel: 01733 455000
Wales:
Countryside Council for Wales
Maes y Ffynnon
Ffordd
Penrhos
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 2DN
Website: www.ccw_gov.uk
Scotland:
12 Hope Terrace
Edinburgh
EH9 2HF
Tel: 0131 447 4784
www.snh.org.uk
INLAND WATERWAYS
British Waterways was established by the Transport Act 1962 to manage the inland waterways, docks and estates which had previously been the responsibility of the British Transport Commission (itself set up following transport nationalisation in 1948). British Waterways is responsible for the 2,000 mile canal and river network in England, Wales and Scotland and has been the catalyst for over £2 billion of waterside regeneration, and the creation of over 20,000 jobs over the last decade. Ten million people visit the inland waterways each year, and half the population of the UK live within five miles of an inland waterway.
British Waterways are already engaged in many successful projects for improving the quality of life for people and communities close to waterways. This is achieved in partnership with a wide range of national and local organisations, including Groundwork UK, the Fieldfare Trust, local authorities and charitable bodies.
British Waterways are the UK's leading navigation authority, managing around 3,000 miles of inland waterway and hosting 25,000 licensed boats. Most boating is now for leisure purposes, although 3.5 million tonnes of freight are still carried and there are currently plans to treble this figure overall. British Waterways has been at the forefront of promoting public access to its towpaths since 1978 and attracts walkers, naturalists, anglers, cyclists and joggers.
The following British Waterways figures show the major role which they play in the UK's recreation:
. 10 million visitors each year make 160 million visits to the waterways
. 2 million visits by boaters and their passengers
. 2.6 million visits by anglers
. 100,000 visits by cyclists
. 1.5 million visits by canoeists and other unpowered boaters
. 25,000 boats licensed on British Waterways' network
. 5 million 'lockings' (passages through locks) each year on our waterways
British Waterways is a public corporation responsible to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It receives an annual grant from DEFRA, earns income from its commercial activities and from third party funding and grants.
Contact:
British Waterways
Willow Grange
Church Road
Watford
WD17 4QA
Tel: 01923 226422
Website: www.britishwaterways.co.uk
The users of inland waterways have their own Association:
Inland Waterways Association
PO Box 114
Rickmansworth
Herts.
WD3 1ZY
Tel: 01923 711114
Both British Waterways and the Inland Waterways Association are in membership of the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR)
Association for Outdoor Learning
12 St Andrews Churchyard
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7YE
Tel: 01768 891065
Fax: 01768 891914
E-mail: afol@adventure-ed.co.uk
Website: www.adventure-ed.co.uk
ASSOCIATION FOR OUTDOOR LEARNING
The Association is an organisation for those interested or involved in outdoor pursuits education and training, and they publish a most comprehensive booklet, covering:
. Outdoor centres in the UK, and some overseas centres
. Outdoor training providers
. Opportunities for disabled people
. Suppliers of outdoor equipment
. Providers of outdoor services
. Useful organisations, including the Association of Heads of outdoor Education Centres
NATIONAL MAP CENTRE
The following are available:
A range of maps and books, including:
. Ordnance surveys
. Mapping index 2002 (free)
. Lists
. Outdoor leisure
. Explorer
. Pathfinder
. Landranger
. GB route plans
. Road maps
. Caravan and camping guides, and tourist maps are also available
National Map Centre
22-24 Caxton Street
London
SW1H 0QU
Tel: 020 7222 2466
www.mapstore.co.uk
