The leaflets, booklets, notes and research papers on this page are mainly aimed at people interested in walking issues and the Ramblers' work. They are all free, but we regret we have to impose a postage charge unless you are ordering one or two free items at the same time as paid-for ones. See the Rambler's Bookshop page for details of how to order and how to make your payment.
Where an electronic version of a publication is available, you'll find a link to it from this page.
Publications of most interest to people who just want to do more walking are on our Rambler's Bookshop. A wide range of online information of general interest to walkers is in our Information section.
Promoting walking
We also produce a series of printed factsheets for the general public, but all the information in these is available online. See our Walking Information pages.
The old series of regional guides has now been withdrawn. Some parts of the country are covered by new guides: see The Rambler's Bookshop, and see also our regional pages.
Outdoor access
- Basics of Footpath Law
- Countryside Access - a guide for local authority councillors (PDF, 416Kb)
England and Wales - Defending Public Paths
A leaflet explaining what the RA does to defend public paths in England and Wales and how you can help. - The Economic and Social Value of Walking in England (PDF, 241kB)
Independent report by Dr Mike Christie, University of Wales Aberystwyth and Jon Matthews, independent consultant. 2003. - The Economic Value of Walking in Rural Wales (PDF, 98kB)
Gwerth Economaidd Cerdded yng Ngefn Gwlad Cymru (PDF, 98kB)
Independent report commissioned by the Ramblers from Prof Peter Midmore, University of Wales, Aberystwyth. - Footpath Worker
Ramblers' quarterly bulletin on footpath news in England and Wales, which also includes updates to the Blue Book, available on subscription or free to RA footpath secretaries. Order here! - Freedom to Roam index page
The 'Right to Roam': Access to open countryside (Word, 48k) - Managing conflict over access to open country
A case study of the Peak National Park by Ann Holt - Meeting the challenges of the new millennium
An appraisal by Council for the National Parks for the Ramblers of a proposal for a wider New Forest National Park - Paths for People (PDF, 213kB)
A colour leaflet explaining the powers and opportunities for parish and community councils in England and Wales to care for and improve their local footpaths. - Ramblers' Association Response to the Government's Lessons Learned Enquiry on the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak (PDF 28kB)
- Reporting Path Problems
Including a path problem report form and giving guidance on what to do if a path is blocked or otherwise difficult to use. Also available in Welsh.
Report a problem online - Rights of Way: A Guide to Law and Practice (the 'Blue Book')
The bible of footpath law in England and Wales is available to buy from Cordee. See here for details.
More details | Order here! - Rights of Way Advice Notes: 11 useful factsheets on aspects of rights of way law in England and Wales, all available online.
- You're Either Quick Or Dead (PDF 522kB)
A dossier of sites where walkers need safe crossings: 3rd edition, 2003.
Rights of Way Advice Notes
11 useful factsheets giving advice on many aspects of
- Roads used as Public Paths and Byways Open To All Traffic
More on these complex categories of right of way - Golf Courses
Advice on minimising the impact of golf courses on rights of way - Rights of Way and Development
Planning permission and proposed diversions and extinguishments - Animals and Rights of Way
Dogs on walks, dangerous animals on paths and other issues - How to claim a public right of way
- Signposts, waymarks and unauthorised notices
A guide to signs on rights of way, including those that shouldn't be there. - Rights of way and stiles and gates
including information on liability, design standards, accessibility
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