You can walk on Open Access land – on mountain, moorland, heath, downland and registered common land – without having to stick to public rights of way over the land.
In the North York Moors, it means that you are free to explore our moorland and common land as you wish, using paths and tracks which are not public rights of way. If you wish you may also walk over the land without following a defined path. Certain restrictions apply (see below).
In addition to moorland access land, Forestry England has dedicated much of its land as Open Access land for walkers, and it also allows cyclists and horse riders to use the main tracks over the access land.
Open Access land is shown on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps published since 2005 (bounded by an orange border), and you can also look out for the symbol shown above, which you'll find on some areas of Open Access land.
Please remember:
- Open access is for recreation on foot; you can't cycle or ride a horse except on a bridleway, and you can't drive a vehicle or motorbike on it, other than on vehicular rights of way
- Dogs are not allowed on most grouse moorland in the North York Moors, except on rights of way where they should be kept on a short lead or to heel so they cannot leave the line of the path
- Where dogs are allowed on open access land, by law they must be on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July (the bird nesting season) and on a short lead at any time near livestock
- Access land may sometimes be temporarily closed for land management or other reasons - look out for signs. Rights of way remain open even if the surrounding access land is closed. Forestry England access land is sometimes closed for tree felling or motor rallies.
You can find out more, and check if there are any current Open Access restrictions in place, on the Natural England website.
If you're planning a visit to the North York Moors, find out how to do your bit to keep the National Park special and have a great time.