Public footpaths: what they do and do not allow

A public footpath is a legal right of way across private land. You can walk it, but you cannot camp on it, light a fire beside it, or wander off it to find a pitch. The path is often a narrow trod through fields, woods and farmyards, and it may pass within metres of someone’s home. Stay on the line of the path, even when it is muddy or overgrown. If the way is unclear, look for waymarks: yellow arrows for footpaths, blue for bridleways, purple for restricted byways and red for byways open to all traffic. A bridleway gives more rights—walking, cycling and horse riding—but still no camping.

Stiles, gates and bridges are part of the right of way. Leave gates as you find them: open if open, closed if closed. If you meet livestock, give them space, keep dogs close and never chase. A public footpath does not give you the right to cross a field of crops by any route you fancy; keep to the marked line and use field margins where provided.

Access land and the right to roam

Since the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, much of England and Wales has a right of access to open country—mountain, moor, heath and down—and registered common land. This is often called “access land” or “right to roam”. On it, you can walk freely off paths, but only on foot, and only for open-air recreation. You cannot cycle, horse ride, camp or fish without permission. Some access land has restrictions: dogs may be kept on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds, and some areas are closed for lambing, shooting or conservation. Look for the open access symbol on gates and signs, and check local maps before you go. If land is not mapped as access land, you are back to public rights of way or the landowner’s permission.

The Countryside Code is your practical guide

The Countryside Code applies everywhere, whether you are on a footpath, access land or a permissive path. It boils down to respect, protect and enjoy. In practice:

• Plan ahead and check weather, daylight and local notices.
• Follow signs and waymarks; do not climb walls, fences or hedges.
• Leave gates as you find them and use stiles properly.
• Keep dogs under control—on a lead around livestock and on access land in nesting season.
• Take all litter home, including food scraps, and never leave a fire or disposable BBQ.
• Protect wildlife, plants and water; avoid disturbing nesting birds, deer and livestock.
• Be considerate of other people, especially in villages and at busy car parks.

Wild camping, bothies and upland tarns

In England and Wales, wild camping is not a general public right. On most public footpaths and access land, you need the landowner’s permission. Some areas, such as parts of Dartmoor, operate permission schemes, and a few landowners quietly tolerate one-night lightweight pitches, but you cannot assume it. Never camp in a field of livestock, on a scheduled monument, beside a tarn used for drinking water, or in a lay-by. If you want to wild camp, ask the landowner or check with the national park authority. In Scotland, the rules are different, but that does not help you in England and Wales.

Bothies are basic shelters, mostly in Scotland, with a handful in England and Wales. They are not campsites: no booking, no warden, no facilities. You leave them clean and ready for the next person. Reaching a bothy does not give you a right to cross private land, so plan the approach on public rights of way or with permission. Upland tarns are beautiful for a swim or a brew, but treat them gently. Do not camp on fragile vegetation, keep soap and detergent out of the water, bury human waste well away from streams and tarns, and pack out everything. Cold water can kill: enter slowly, watch for weeds and rocks, and never swim alone.

Planning a route across private land

Use a detailed map—1:25,000 is ideal—to plot public footpaths, bridleways, access land boundaries and permissive paths. Permissive paths are not rights of way; they are allowed by the landowner and can be closed at any time. Check for temporary diversions, missing bridges and path closures. A route that looks simple on a map may cross three farms, a golf course and a military range. Plan escape routes and know where you can legally stop for lunch. Tell someone your route and expected return time. Carry a paper map and compass, even if you use a phone. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for police, then mountain rescue.

When signs, gates and weather change your plan

Access can change. A path may be diverted while a bridge is repaired; access land may be closed for a few days; a gate may be locked for safety. If a sign says no, do not climb over—find another way or turn back. If you meet a landowner, be friendly and ask. Most conflicts come from unclear expectations, not malice. Close gates, keep noise down, and leave the place better than you found it. That way, the quiet permission that many of us rely on stays open for the next walker, the next bothy night and the next cold dip in a tarn.