What you need to know about Open Access ("the right to roam")

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 brought in new rights for people walking in the countryside.

The land now open for walkers is known as Open Access Land, and is shown with pale yellow shading on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 “Explorer” maps.

However, these new rights only apply to land which is classed as mountain, moorland, heath and down. There are also Open Access agreements for some areas of woodland.

For further information, visit Natural England’s website [external link]

Open Access Land around Darlington

Within Darlington there is no land classed as either mountain, moorland, heath or down. However, there is one small area of Community Woodland with Open Access. This is located at South Burdon, to the east of the town.

Open Access does not apply to any of the farmland around Darlington - You do not have any right to roam over land being farmed. Farmers and landowners are concerned about a small number of walkers who haven’t properly understood the Open Access rights, and who wander over private property.

Open Access Land beyond Darlington

If you travel further afield – into places like the Pennines, North York Moors and the Lake District. you will find large areas of Open Access Land.

You can walk, run or jog on Open Access Land.

You cannot:

  • Ride a horse
  • Ride a bike
  • Drive any sort of mechanically propelled vehicle
  • Walk a dog (unless on a Public Right of Way which passes through Open Access land.)

Landowners have rights to close Open Access Land for limited periods during any one year. Grouse moors are closed occasionally, as are areas where there is felt to be a risk of fire.