The Countryside Code on the Footpath: Gates, Livestock and Dogs

Every footpath crosses someone's land, and most of the walks we love only exist because farmers, landowners and local people allow and maintain them. The Countryside Code, a set of simple guidelines, helps everyone share the space happily. Its message is easy to remember: respect everyone, protect the environment and enjoy the outdoors. Here is how that looks in practice.

Gates and stiles

Leave gates as you find them, unless a sign says otherwise. A gate left open can let livestock stray onto roads or into crops, and a gate shut on animals that need to reach water can cause problems too. If it is closed, close it behind you. If it is open and tied back, it is probably meant to stay that way.

Use stiles and gates rather than climbing walls or fences, which can damage them and risk injury. Never climb over a gate that is hanging badly if there is a gap beside it.

Staying on the path

Stick to the marked route unless there is open access land. Walking around muddy patches might feel kinder to your boots, but it widens the path and damages field edges and crops. If the path is truly blocked or impassable, you can report it to the local council, which is responsible for rights of way.

Passing livestock

Fields often hold sheep or cattle, and most of the time they will ignore you. A few sensible habits keep everyone safe:

• Move calmly and give animals plenty of space.
• Do not feed or touch farm animals.
• Be especially careful around cows with calves, who can be protective.
• If cattle approach you, stay calm and walk on steadily, ideally around the edge of the field.
• If you feel threatened by cattle while with a dog, let the dog off the lead rather than risk being caught between them, and move to safety.

In spring, lambs are particularly vulnerable to disturbance, so extra care is needed.

Dogs on footpaths

Dogs are welcome on many paths, but they must be kept under proper control. In practice, that usually means a short lead near livestock and around ground-nesting birds, and always on a lead where signs require it. Dog mess should be bagged and taken home or put in a bin provided for the purpose, never left on the path or bagged and hung on a branch. Dog mess can carry diseases that affect farm animals.

Litter and fires

Take all your litter home, including fruit peel and food scraps, which can harm wildlife and take a long time to break down. Avoid lighting fires and barbecues in the countryside, as dry vegetation can ignite very easily, particularly on moorland and heath in warm, dry weather.

Be considerate to other people

Say hello when you pass fellow walkers. Give way to horse riders and keep your voice down near them. Park considerately and avoid blocking field entrances, which farmers need to use at all hours. On narrow paths, be ready to step aside for others.

Be prepared and informed

The more thought you give to your walk, the easier it is to respect the places you pass through. Our day walk planning checklist helps with preparation, and if you are visiting a protected landscape, our guide to national parks in England and Wales adds helpful context.

Frequently asked questions

Can I walk across any field? No. You can walk on public rights of way and on designated open access land, but not across any field you like. Check a map for the marked paths.

What should I do if a gate is locked? On a public right of way, a locked gate may be an obstruction. Look for another way through or around and report the problem to the council.

Do dogs have to be on a lead at all times? Not always, but they must be under close control, and leads are often required near livestock and during bird nesting seasons.