The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 provides for a legal right of access on foot to mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath land, down land and registered common land in England and Wales.
Obligations on walkers
When entering access land you must not damage any wall, fence, hedge, stile or gate and must observe the list of "general restrictions" as given in schedule two of the Act.
All dogs must be kept on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July and at all times when near farm animals.
Though there is no legal obligation on walkers or others using access land to follow the Countryside Code, the Ramblers' Association would encourage everyone to do so, as this will enable those who live and work in the countryside, as well as others who wish to enjoy it, to do so without interference.
Obligations on land managers
Landowners and land managers have some obligations to ensure that the public are free to enjoy the new right of access.
It is an offence for a landowner or land manager to erect or maintain a false or misleading notices on, near or on the way to access land. Landowners are also still legally required to ensure that all rights of way on their land are clear.
To report a problem, fill out our online problem report form or, if you prefer, pdf document. Please e-mail your report form to freedom@ramblers.org.uk
CRoW also has a significant effect on the level of liability owed by landowners to those walking on their land, reducing it to that owed to a trespasser. The Occupiers' Liability Act 1984 was amended by CRoW so that there is no duty owed by the owner or occupier of access land to anyone injured by any natural feature (or any river, stream, ditch or pond, whether or not a natural feature) or by improperly using any wall, fence or gate.
Landowners will, of course, still be liable for any injuries where they have either intended to create the risk or have been reckless in allowing that risk to be created. For example, a farmer who allowed an animal likely to attack visitors to roam freely where the public has access may be liable if any injury occurs.
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