Codes

Open Access Land

On open access land, you can........

  • enter the land where you choose, as long as you don't damage walls or fences
  • roam night or day
  • ignore footpaths

But you can't........

  • Wild camp
  • Light Fires
  • Swim in non-tidal rivers and lakes
  • Walk on cultivated land
  • Ride a bike unless you are on an existing bridleway
  • Go within 20m or a house or a farm building with livestock in
  • Let your dog off the lead between 1 March and 31 July or near livestock
  • Disturb livestock, wildlife or habitats
  • Enter if there are temporary closures: to check current restrictions - tel 0845 100 3298 or visit open access restrictions.

Visit open access maps to view maps of open access areas. For more information on open access see open access land

 

The Hiking club Mobile phone code of conduct

  • Be considerate in the use of the phone to avoid disturbing other walkers.
  • Avoid use as far as possible whilst walking.
  • Set on silent mode if possible.
  • If you have to make or take a call, drop back out of earshot of other walkers.

The Hiking Club, Members and their Dogs

  • In general, the Club accepts members bringing their dogs on walks but reserves the right to refuse permission at any time for any reason.
  • In accordance with the Country Code, we would expect all dogs to be kept under close control. This would include keeping them on a lead when in the proximity of farm animals and we would expect them not to disturb or harass wildlife.
  • There is a limit of one dog per member without prior arrangement.
  • If a member is planning to bring a dog on a walk, the member must let the transport planner know when they make contact to confirm they're attending a walk or event.
  • The owner would be expected to transport the dog in their own vehicle and assistance with petrol costs will not be given unless any additional walkers are carried. When a dog owner takes their own car there is a reduced walk charge and most cases no charge - since walk charges are mainly to cover fuel costs.
  • For weekends away, members with dogs would need to make their own accommodation arrangements but talk to us first because we may have accommodation that accepts dogs.

The Country Code

  • Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
  • Leave gates and property as you find them
  • Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
  • Keep dogs under close control
  • Consider other people

The Hikers Code

  • Hike only along marked routes - do not leave the trail unless in open access areas
  • Use stiles to climb fences, leave gates as you find them
  • Camp only in designated campsites
  • Leave the trail cleaner than you found it
  • Leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy
  • Keep dogs on a lead
  • Protect and do not disturb wildlife
  • Use the trail at your own risk
  • Leave only your thanks and footprints
  • Take nothing but photographs