Out and About Essentials

COVID-19 and Rights of Way

updated May 12th

The public rights of way network and our open Access Land remains open. We ask that all members of the public follow the requirements for social distancing:

• Ensure you keep at least 2 metres away from other people
• Try to avoid touching shared surfaces, such as gates and stiles, and sanitise hands regularly
• Keep dogs under effective control near livestock and away from other people/dogs
• Leave gates as you find them
• Avoid farms and homes where possible
• Avoid busy places where it is harder to keep your distance

Please take note of local signage and follow the advice which is in place to protect you and others.

Please note that the law does not currently allow us to close any part of the public rights of way network for COVID-19 reasons.

If you have public rights of way or permitted paths close to your home or farm, you can download our poster to display 

All informal consultations for public rights of way and the making of public path orders are suspended until further notice.

Our Ranger Team capacity is limited at this time we are only able to inspect high priority issues.  If you come across an issue on the access network please log it at Explore Somerset or email us at access@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or call 01398 323665

Rights of Way

Public rights of way are paths along which the public has a legal right to pass and repass.
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Path News

All the latest news on path works, closures and recent openings.
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Access Land

Specific areas of land that are designated as 'Access Land' give people a right of access on foot for open air recreation.
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Report a Problem

Reports from members of the public about faults on public rights of way can be very helpful. Find out how to get in touch with us.
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Map Reading

To help you explore Exmoor with confidence, Ordnance Survey have filmed videos on Exmoor.
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Access and Recreation Map

Discover all of our Public Rights of Way and Permissive Paths on Exmoor, and find somewhere new to explore!
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Dogs

Users of a public rights of way are legally obliged to keep dogs under 'close control' but not necessarily on a lead.
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Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

It pays to be aware of the possibility of tick bites and their effects. This tells you all you need to know.
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Countryside Code

Always use the Countryside Code when exploring Exmoor, being respectful of access is very important.
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