Open Access – the new rights
On the 28th August 2005 18,000 hectares (180 sq km) of moorland, common land and other unimproved land within the National Park became access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW). This legislation gives people a right of access on foot for open air recreation on land mapped as access land.
The following information is intended to give a general overview of the open access rights. For full details please visit the Open Access website
What you can do
On access land, permitted activities include walking, sightseeing, bird watching, picnicking, running and climbing and any other open air recreation on foot. Activities such as camping, horse riding, swimming and cycling are not permitted.
The CRoW Act access rights do not affect what people already do with the permission of the landowner, on public rights of way such as footpaths or bridleways, or under any other existing access rights that apply locally.
Where you can walk
All access land is shown on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps in a yellow colour wash. You can also view maps online on the Countryside Access website, or in any National Park Centre.
| Look out for this symbol on land open for public access within the National Park. |  | Look out for this symbol on land where there are no open access rights |
not all access land is signed so check ordnance survey maps to be sure you are on access land
Where you can’t walk
Certain areas or land types are exempt from the new access rights. These may be mapped as access land but rights will not apply. Examples include:
- Land that has been ploughed or drilled within the last 12 months
- Land within 20 metres of a dwelling
- Parks, gardens and golf courses
Your responsibilities
When exercising the new right of access you should act responsibly, with consideration for others, and respect other people's privacy.
- Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants, animals and take your litter home
- Keep dogs under close control
Please read the Countryside Code for full details or your responsibilities when out in the countryside
Dogs on access land
The new access rights include the right to walk dogs on access land, but between 1 March and 31 July, or at any other time in the vicinity of livestock, dogs are only allowed if they are on a short lead of no more than 2 meters. This is designed to minimise any impacts on livestock or ground nesting birds during the main breeding season.
For more information on visiting Exmoor with your dog please read the Exmoor Dog Walkers Welcome leaflet
Restrictions and exclusions of access
Landowners can restrict or exclude access to any areas of access land, for any reason, for up to 28 days each year (excluding public and bank holidays, and most weekends).
Anyone with a legal interest in access land may also apply to the National Park Authority for a direction to exclude or restrict access on the grounds of land management, public safety or fire prevention. The National Park Authority can also make directions for public safety, fire prevention or for nature conservation reasons without an application being received.
Details of exclusions and restrictions on access within Exmoor National Park are available at National Park Centres, or by phoning the Open Access Call Centre on 0845 100 3298.
Alternatively you can search for current restrictions or closures
Closures or restrictions do not affect public rights of way.
Access land problem reporting
If you encounter a problem on any Access Land within Exmoor National Park then please let us know by contacting the Exmoor National Park Access Officer