Footpath deadline to be scrapped…

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy89yddgg7yo

Could there be hope that better rights of way access can also be considered?

After living in Scotland for nearly two years now, I find it comical when I come back to England that so much land is off limits, especially rivers when I want to use my kayak. It’s a joke, and I doubt this Government will do anything about it, they have a poor record so far, their majority is big enough to do whatever they want, yet they wont do anything that is slightly likely to annoy the Tories, so we’ll be stuck with the pathetic limits on where we can go for the next 25+ years.

Predictable response from the NFU and CLA

“This is a backward step and is the latest attack on the countryside and farmers.”

And Slow Ways advocating for access along field margins to help rural mobility
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/26/call-for-right-to-roam-on-edges-of-private-farmland-england-walking

I doubt this Government will do anything about it, they have a poor record so far,

It is important but it’s not really a priority given how messed up the country is post Tory-induced Brexit reality

Also remember millions of people don’t use the countryside as it involves exercise and there’s no WiFi or EastEnders so they don’t understand the issue

Excellent unlimited procrastination time!

Don’t you know, the world is owned by the billionaires now. They own the press too. So we only get what they want. And they don’t want us on their land.

Where is “the map” that records footpaths? How do I know if a path I use is recorded or forgotten.

I think your local authority should have a definitive map. But I’m no expert

They should have a rights of way team etc

I’d probably start by trawling through old maps to see what was shown

Oh I know a land owner who has just his cornflakes pissed.

Existing footpaths/bridleways should all be shown on OS maps, however I don’t see much point in recording new ones when half the existing paths around where I live are closed/overgrown/impassable. I’m sick of following a marked path (even Local Authority marked signs!) only to come to a halt at a fence, tree plantation or simply a mass of undergrowth and brambles.

Oh I know a land owner who has just his cornflakes pissed.

Sounds painful.

And now Labour attack our right to set dogs on wild anmials which accidently cross our scent trail.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1mrj3r30nno

But the countryside alliance say – the issue of trail hunting is irrelevant to most people, and it would be extraordinary for Labour to focus on this given the poor state of its relationship with rural communities.

The problem is many farmers are fed up with the public leaving litter, letting their dogs roam free in livestock fields and leaving important gates open, often deviating from the actual footpath/bridleway, especially since 2020.

On the whole something has to change so that we can use all the public ‘rights of way’ that are open to us. It’s so important to be able to be out in these green spaces more than ever.

Also remember millions of people don’t use the countryside as it involves exercise and there’s no WiFi or EastEnders so they don’t understand the issue

True, but a powerful IMO argument to increase access. How can people care about or value something they never get to experience?

Well I don’t know what happened to my previous post but I’m sure you get the idea.

Existing footpaths/bridleways should all be shown on OS maps

Should being the operative word – local council website for the definitive map.

Would be nice if we could have a thread on this subject without the Scottish residents feeling the need to gloat, we all know you’ve got the right to roam in your frozen wasteland..

Don’t think we are gloating, just flagging the obvious that despite all the landowners protesting about this, in general, it seems to work. There are spots where it doesn’t work as well, but those are a small amount.
If enough people created a groundswell, it might help change this and the Scottish way is one option that does show it can work…

The problem is many farmers are fed up with the public leaving litter, letting their dogs roam free in livestock fields and leaving important gates open, often deviating from the actual footpath/bridleway, especially since 2020

I’m not convinced “responsible access” would make all that much difference. It’s not an automatic flood gate of everyone suddenly accessing everything everywhere. Most of the “nice bits” already have access routes, even away from high ground.

You might have a few problems on large private Capability Brown type estate grounds. But working farmland, is, by and large, pretty f***ing boring to your average Joe. A field edge in rural Northamptonshire is not going to attract a relentless stream of people. Although I’d guess without education there would bea an uptick of people wandering around at first.

The problem is many farmers are fed up with the public leaving litter, letting their dogs roam free in livestock fields and leaving important gates open, often deviating from the actual footpath/bridleway, especially since 2020.

So, spread the load.

On the whole something has to change so that we can use all the public ‘rights of way’ that are open to us.

Well, you could get rid of the current “rights of way” system.

Well, you could get rid of the current “rights of way” system.

Except that won’t actually help with problem described, in fact it’ll actually make it worse.

I’d still rather have more open access, though

I think what Scotroutes means is get rid of the whole system of rights of way and instead have a presumption of access

In england I find this just weird that there are paths and tracks you cannot ride on or in some cases even walk on

Just remember tho that the scottish system is NOT an absolute right.  Its a qualified right and the qualification is following the access code

correct me if I am wrong scotroutes 🙂

Would it be fair to say in Scotland the presumption is free access with specified exceptions whereas in Egland it is the other way round. No access with specified exceptions.

Seems to work perfectly well almost all the time up here. Seems a reasonabl idea. You own the land not the access. Just like owning land doesn’t usually give you mineral rights or airspace rights.

Not quite IMO – its not “free” access – you have to behave within the scope of the access code / LRA.  You only have the right of access so long as you follow this.  Its a qualified right of access.

In Scotland, you can go on to most land to enjoy the outdoors – as long as you behave responsibly. This is known as Scottish access rights and is different to the position in England and Wales. When you are enjoying the outdoors, you must follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/act-and-access-code/scottish-outdoor-access-code-visitors-and-land-managers/what-scottish-outdoor-access-code

https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/practical-guide-all/cycling