The new right of access provided under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW for short) gives the public access to 936,000 hectares of mapped open uncultivated countryside.
What is the new right of access?
The CRoW Act provides a right of access on foot to mapped areas of uncultivated open countryside. Open countryside defined as mountain, moor, heath, down, registered common land or land which has been voluntarily dedicated for access by the landowner.
Is it the "Right to Roam"?
The new right of access is some times called the "Right to Roam". The term can be misleading as CRoW does not provide a right to walk everywhere at all times.
Where can I go? And How can I find out where I can walk?
You can find out where the new right of access applies by getting your hands on a new OS Explorer Map. These have all been 
updated and show the new access land. The new maps have the access symbol on the front as shown on the left. You can also find more information on the new right of access on the Countryside Access web page (www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk).
When is the new right of access coming into force?
On Monday 31 October 2005 the implementation of the right of access was fully completed in all of England and Wales after a regional programme of mapping. History in the making.
What am I allowed to do on access land?
The new right of access allows recreational activities on foot such as walking, bird-watching and climbing only. Some things are specifically not allowed on access land under the Act, these are given as a list of general restrictions. For more information on what is and not allowed, like the special rules on dogs, please see What you can do on access land.
How will access be managed?
Access will be managed by local highway authorities or, in National Parks, by the National Park Authority, these are called access authorities. Access authorities have the power to enact and enforce bye-laws where necessary, appoint wardens, erect and maintain notices and improve means of access to access land. For more information see the functions of access authorities. They will be advised by Local Access Forums.
What are Local Access Forums?
Local access forums are bodies set to advise these access authorities. They are made up of councillors, landowners, farmers and user groups like horse riders and walkers. They advise on such issues as access management, new signs or proposed long-term local access restrictions and Rights of Way management plans. For more information see Local Access Forums.
Will landowners be able to close their land?
The Act allows landowners to close their land for up to 28 days a year (including some Saturdays and Sundays) for any reason. Landowners may apply for further closures or restrictions, on a temporary or permanent basis, for health and safety, land management or fire risk. There may also be closures to protect wildlife or areas of historic interest or on the grounds of national security. For more information see The closures and restrictions system.
Where can I get information on local closures and restrictions?
At the present time the only place to check for information on local closures and restrictions will be is the www.openaccess.gov.uk web site. Some tourist information centres also display this information and notices may be displayed at information points and on the relevant area of access land.
What should I do if I see a misleading notice?
If you come across a notice you believe is misleading, like a "no access sign" on access land or out of date restrictions notice then you should report it to your local access authority. If they take no action then the matter should be reported to Local Access Forums. For any more help or advice on trying to sort out problems on access land please contact the Ramblers Association freedom to roam team: The Ramblers Association, 2nd floor Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW
Or if you have e-mail to freedom@ramblers.org.uk.
What if there is no way onto the access land?
Access authorities have powers to provide means of access to access land, ideally in consultation with the landowner but by order if necessary. If you find there is no way of getting to the access land, then please report it along the same lines as a misleading notice.
What is dedicated access land?
Under CRoW landowners can dedicate land as access land so adding it to the other mapped areas of open countryside. So far the largest landowner to do this is the Foresty Commission which has dedicated all their free hold land. For more information see Dedication of access land.
Question not answered?
Try one of our other pages on the right of access from the list below, or e-mail your question to: freedom@ramblers.org.uk.
