The Roof of England Walk follows public rights of way, but large parts of the North Pennines are designated as Open Access Land. On Access Land there is a general right to walk, sightsee, picnic, birdwatch, climb and run without the need to follow a designated path, so it is a right to access an area rather than a particular route. Access land includes mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land. Much of the North Pennines is designated as Access land. Walking on access land is a very different experience to following public rights of way. It means that you are free to explore interesting features such as streams and hill tops, and that you can decide your own route.
The rights on access land extend to walking with dogs. However, they must be on a fixed lead no more than two metres long between 1 March and 31 July to limit disturbance to
ground nesting birds. They must also be on a short-fixed lead at any time near livestock and nesting birds.
On access land used for the rearing and shooting of grouse, there is likely to be a total exclusion of dogs. Dogs may also be excluded for up to 6 weeks a year on land used for lambing and in areas important for ground nesting birds. Dog restrictions do not apply to trained guide/hearing dogs and dogs on the land with the landowner’s permission.
Up to date information about Access land including maps, rights and restrictions are available at www.openaccess.naturalengland.org.uk.
