It is really important that everyone behaves responsibly when visiting the countryside in the North Pennines National Landscape. We all have a responsibility to protect the environment for current and future generations and out of respect for people living in the area.
The Roof of England Walk is a fantastic journey through some of the most spectacular countryside in the country and it is a real joy to walk through this amazing National Landscape. Walking the Roof of England comes with a responsibility to respect the area – not just for your safety, but for the wellbeing of the area, its people and the wildlife which makes a home here.
Following these tips can make a big difference – it is up to everyone to help look after this outstanding landscape.
1. Follow the Countryside Code
Following the Countryside Code helps everyone to look after nature, habitats and the farmed landscape. It helps to minimise the risk of damage, keeps livestock safe, reduces conflicts and maintains access for everyone.
• Respect everyone – be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside.
• Protect the environment – leave no trace and care for nature.
• Enjoy the outdoors – safely and responsibly.
Discover more about the Countryside Code here.
2. Stay on paths and trails
The vast majority of the Roof of England Walk follows Public Rights of Way. There are two exceptions – on Leg 3, through the National Trust’s North Wood; and on Leg 7, near Baal Hill.
Please stick to the paths – straying off can result in you accidentally damaging crops or disturbing livestock and wildlife. Parts of the route do cross Open Access land – where you can roam freely, but the Roof of England Walk always follows defined rights of way.
3. Leave no trace
A simple rule is if you carried it in please carry it out – or take everything with you. This rule applies to food wrappers, tissues and any form of litter. Even fruit waste can take years to break down and could be harmful to animals, for instance orange peel, as well as being unsightly, can take up to two years to decompose.
4. Look after your dog
If you are walking with your dog please keep it under close control and in sight, especially near livestock. In most cases this means keeping them on a lead. This is particularly important during lambing, when there are calves around, and during the bird breeding season.
Always check local signs as there are situations when you must keep your dog on a lead for all or part of the year. Be aware that a farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock. They may not be liable to compensate the dog’s owner.
Let your dog off the lead if you feel threatened by livestock or horses. Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog. Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety.
Always clean up your dog’s poo – it can cause illness in people, livestock and wildlife. Bag it and bin it. If you are unable to find a public waste bin, you should take it home and use your own bin.
5. Leave gates as you found them
Please leave gates and property as you find them or follow instructions on signs. When walking in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave a gate.
Farmers close gates to keep animals in or leave them open to give access to food or water.
Avoid climbing over gates, fences and drystone walls. Always use stiles and gates to avoid any damage.
6. Look after nature and livestock
The North Pennines is home to a wide variety of wildlife from ground-nesting birds, bees, badgers and all kinds of bugs. Try to avoid disturbing animals – especially during the breeding season, in spring and early summer. If you keep the noise down you are more likely to spot the wildlife around you.
If you think a farm animal is in distress, try to alert the farmer.
Give wild animals, livestock and horses plenty of space. Thie behaviour can be unpredictable, especially when they are with their young.
Never feed livestock, horses or wild animals as you could cause them harm or make them unwell.
7. Respect farmland and rural livelihoods
Bear in mind that much of the North Pennines is a farmed landscape and that as a result people are dependent on it for their livelihoods.
Please:
• Walk single file through crops e.g. hay meadows.
• Give livestock (especially if they are cows with calves) a wide berth.
• When parking make sure you do not block access to gateways or driveways.
• Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say that you can. Controlled fires are used by some land managers to manage vegetation, particularly on moorland between 1 October and 15 April. Call 999 if you see an unattended fire.
8. Be prepared
It is up to you to keep yourself safe.
Make sure you:
• Wear appropriate clothes and footwear.
• Carry waterproofs and spare warm clothing – weather conditions can change quickly in the North Pennines.
• Carry a fully charged mobile phone and a power bank.
• Brings lots of snacks and carry water.
• Carry (and know how to use) a map and compass – in addition to any GPS or electronic means of navigation.
• Check the weather forecast before you set off.
• Make sure that someone knows your planned route and estimated time of arrival.
In an emergency situation dial 999 or 112, then ask for ‘Police’ then ‘Mountain Rescue’. Provide them with all the relevant details (e.g. your location, details of the causality, nature of injuries or emergency, number of people in your group, your mobile number) and then STAY WHERE YOU ARE until contacted by the rescue team.
9. Support local communities
Whilst following the Roof of England Walk please support the local economy, when you can, by visiting local shops, cafes, pubs and tearooms and staying in local accommodation. Any money you spend in the North Pennines helps to support local communities and services.
10. Be a role model
This is an easy one. By following these tips for responsible walking you will be setting a good example for other walkers and visitors to the North Pennines.
If you pick up that piece of litter, shut gates behind you, keep your dog on a lead, walk single file across hay meadows and say hello to fellow walkers you will be encouraging others to be responsible visitors too.
