Advice for walkers

We've put together lots of advice for walkers from how to get started for people new to walking to practical tips on safety and how walking can benefit your health to information on maps and how to navigate. We've also got a whole category dedicated to your legal rights to walk in Britain.

After reading this advice we hope you'll feel ready, able and inspired to get outside and go for a walk!

Getting going

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Your right to walk

  • Basics of rights of way law

    We answer frequently-asked questions about rights of way law in England and Wales, from who owns paths to what constitutes an obstruction.

  • How to get a path properly maintained

    Highway authorities are responsible for maintaining most rights of way. Where a highway authority fails to keep a right of way in a proper state of repair, you can use the law to oblige it to do so. We explain how.

  • Types of path

    Find out what constitutes a right of way and the different types of paths that exist.

  • Your right to roam

    Find out what is meant by a right to roam and the difference between access rights in England and Wales and those in Scotland.

  • The definitive guide to rights of way law

    We publish the definitive guide to rights of way law in England and Wales, also known as the 'Blue Book'

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Walking and your health

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Maps, guides and navigation

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Safety and equipment

  • Re-waterproofing walking gear

    How to keep walking boots, jackets, trousers, gaiters and rucksacks waterproof.

  • Blisters

    Some helpful tips on preventing and treating blisters.

  • Food and drink

    Advice on keeping hydrated and maintaining your enegry levels when out walking.

  • Footwear

    Advice on choosing the right footwear for walking.

  • Insects

    Advice on insects and how best to deal with bites and stings.

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Find a route

Click on the location where you wish to search
Report a path or access problem

Use our online form to report any problems you encounter while out walking.

Cotswold Outdoor