The Countryside Code: What Every Walker Should Know

Every footpath crosses somebody's land, or somebody's home. Farmers, landowners and rural communities share the countryside with walkers, and a few simple habits make that sharing easy. The Countryside Code, which applies in England and Wales, boils those habits down to three ideas: respect everyone, protect the environment and enjoy the outdoors. Scotland has its own Scottish Outdoor Access Code, built around similar principles.

Respect everyone

Being considerate is the foundation of good access. In practice that means:

• Leave gates and property as you find them. If a gate is open, leave it open. If it is shut, close it behind you. Livestock may have been moved because of it.
• Follow signs and local advice. Closures and diversions are usually there for a reason, such as lambing, tree work or flooding.
• Be nice, say hello and share the space. A friendly greeting to people you meet on a path goes a long way.
• Keep to the public rights of way unless you are on open access land, where you can roam more freely.

Protect the environment

The countryside is both somebody's workplace and a home for wildlife.

• Take your litter home. That includes fruit peel and apple cores, which take time to break down and can harm animals.
• Do not light fires and avoid barbecues. Dry grass, heather and peat can burn easily, and moorland fires can spread and last for days.
• Keep dogs under control and bag and bin dog waste, or take it home if there is no bin.
• Care for nature. Leave plants, rocks and wildlife as you find them, and keep clear of nesting birds.

Enjoy the outdoors

A little preparation makes every walk smoother. Plan your route before you leave and think about how long it will take. Our guide on how to plan a day walk covers the basics. Check the weather, wear sensible footwear and carry the right kit. Our day walker's kit list can help you pack. Remember that mobile signal can be poor in remote areas.

Livestock: a few extra points

Farm animals deserve particular care.

1. Keep a safe distance and walk calmly. Do not touch or feed animals.
2. Be especially careful with cows and calves. If cattle approach and seem agitated, move away quietly and avoid getting between a cow and her calf.
3. If cattle start to chase you, let your dog off the lead rather than trying to protect it. Dogs can usually outrun cattle and find their own way to safety.
4. In fields with sheep, particularly at lambing time, keep dogs on a short lead or avoid the field if there is an alternative path.
5. Close gates properly so animals cannot escape.

Paths, stiles and field edges

Stay on the path, even when it is muddy. Walking around a puddle widens the path and damages the field edge. Walk in single file where the path crosses crops. Never climb over walls or fences if there is a gate or stile nearby, as drystone walls are carefully built and easily knocked down.

Why it matters

Most problems in the countryside come from small oversights, such as an unlatched gate, a lost bag or an unleashed dog near sheep. A thoughtful walker rarely causes trouble, and good relations help keep paths open for everyone.

Rules differ across nations and areas, and can change, so look at official guidance for the area you are visiting.

Frequently asked questions

Can I walk anywhere in the countryside? Not everywhere. In England and Wales you can walk on public rights of way and on open access land. Other land generally needs permission. Scotland has wider statutory access rights, with responsibilities.

What should I do if a path is blocked? Find a safe way around if you can, and report the problem to the local council's rights of way team afterwards.

Do I need to keep my dog on a lead at all times? Not always, but you must keep it under close control, and use a lead near livestock, wildlife, roads and anywhere signs require it.