A Calmer Countryside Walk: What the Countryside Code Says About Planning, Paths, Dogs and Leaving No Trace (England and Wales)

A walk is easier to relax into when the practical questions are settled in advance: where the path goes, who else uses it, what to do with gates and animals, and how to leave the place as found. The Countryside Code, published on GOV.UK by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, covers exactly that. The guidance applies to England and Wales; the page links to separate publications for Scotland and Northern Ireland, which are not covered here. The Code itself says the outdoors is great for wellbeing and is a place for relaxation, peacefulness and activity, and that visitors will enjoy it more if they prepare in advance. This is general information.

Plan before you set off

The Code advises knowing the route and carrying the maps needed, using up-to-date maps, guides or websites before setting off. It tells walkers to check the weather forecast, noting that conditions can change quickly on mountains and along the coast, and says not to be afraid to turn back. For coastal and tidal river walks it advises looking up tide times to reduce the risk of being cut off by rising tides. It suggests telling someone where you are going and when you expect to be back, because in rural areas you may not see anyone for hours and phone signals are unreliable in many places.

The Code also reminds visitors that they are responsible for the safety of themselves and others in their care, and should take the right clothing and equipment. It encourages staying flexible if places are busy. For some activities, such as camping, freshwater swimming and freshwater fishing, permission from the landowner may be needed.

Paths, gates and signs

Under the heading of being nice, saying hello and sharing the space, the Code asks walkers to follow local signs and keep to marked paths, even if they are muddy, unless wider access is available, for example on open access land. This helps protect crops and wildlife. It advises using gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries where possible because climbing over boundaries can cause damage and put livestock at risk, and leaving gates and property as found, or following instructions on signs. In a group, the last person should know how to leave a gate.

The Code explains the arrows that show legal rights of way: a yellow arrow marks a footpath, a recorded right of way for walkers and mobility aid users, a blue arrow a bridleway, and a purple arrow a restricted byway. If a sign seems illegal or misleading, such as ‘private – no entry’ on a public footpath, it suggests contacting the local authority. Cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on bridleways, and walkers should also take care not to obstruct or endanger others.

Livestock and wild animals

The Code advises giving wild animals, livestock and horses plenty of space, as their behaviour can be unpredictable, especially with young. It says not to interfere with farm machinery, horses or livestock, to follow the farmer’s directions when animals are being moved or gathered, and to try to alert the farmer if an animal appears to be in distress. It also asks visitors not to feed livestock, horses or wild animals because it can harm them. Visitors should take care not to disturb wildlife, including birds that nest on the ground, and to leave rocks, stones, plants and trees as found.

Dogs

The Code asks owners to keep dogs under effective control and always on a lead or in sight, to be confident the dog will return on command and to ensure it does not stray from the path or area where there is a right of access. It states that on Open Access land and at the coast a dog must be on a lead around livestock, and that between 1 March and 31 July a dog must be on a lead on Open Access land even if there is no livestock; these are legal requirements. Local signs may require a lead for part of the year or ban dogs, except assistance dogs.

It advises keeping a dog on a lead around livestock wherever you are. If threatened by livestock or horses, the Code says to let the dog off the lead, because releasing it makes it easier for both to reach safety. Dog waste should be bagged and put in any public waste bin or taken home, and bags must never be left lying around.

Leave no trace

The Code asks walkers to take litter and food waste home or use public bins or recycling, and says that dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences. It tells visitors not to light fires and to have barbecues only where signs say they are allowed, to extinguish them fully and make sure ashes are cold. It adds that controlled burning is used by some land managers, particularly on heaths and moors between 1 October and 15 April, and to call 999 if an unattended fire is seen. Visitors are asked not to disturb ruins or historic sites.

For wellbeing-focused outings, the site’s guides to group walking and 30 Days Wild may suit.

FAQs

Does the Countryside Code apply in Scotland?

The GOV.UK page applies to England and Wales and links to separate publications for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

When must dogs be on a lead on Open Access land?

The Code says between 1 March and 31 July, even without livestock, and at all times around livestock; these are legal requirements.

What do I do if I see an unattended fire?

The Code says to call 999 if an unattended fire is seen.

The bottom line

A countryside walk in England or Wales goes more smoothly with a plan, a stay-on-the-path habit and respect for gates, animals and other users. The Countryside Code asks for dogs to be under control, litter to be taken home and fires to be avoided, and it describes time outdoors as a place for relaxation, peacefulness and activity. Checking the route, the weather and any tide times beforehand lets the walk itself be unhurried. This is general information.

Sources

• The Countryside Code: advice for countryside visitors (gov.uk)