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Ramblers celebrate new open access areas
The first regions to open for public access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CroW), including the Peak District National Park, have received their first walkers.
Under the act, passed by parliament in 2000, ramblers now have a new statutory right of access on foot to ‘access land’ – usually open country and registered common land – in England and Wales.
Hundreds of people took advantage of the new law by setting out across the Peak District moors on National Walking Day (19 September).
Nick Barrett, chief executive of the Rambler’s Association, said: “September 19 was a truly historic day; the landscapes being opened to the nation under the CroW are as much a part of our national heritage as structures like Stonehenge.
“For many, the joy of walking is about getting off the beaten track. We all now have a right to do just that and I hope people will take the opportunity to discover these beautiful areas for themselves.”
Many regional tourism agencies are also the legislation will lure more people to explore the previously out of bounds rural areas.
Jonathan Simpson, spokesperson for VisitBritain, said: “There has recently been great interest in people taking activity holidays.
“As people are increasingly reluctant to stay put in one location during their holidays, this new legislation can greatly boost visits to areas that are included in the open access scheme.”
However, the Countryside Alliance (CA), the group campaigning to prevent a ban on hunting with dogs, was quick to emphasise that visitors should respect local communities while in the country.
Simon Hart, chief executive of the CA, said: “The countryside is the workplace of thousands of people and visitors must be sensitive and respectful of this.
“Visitors should also remember that these rights do not yet apply on a national basis, but are starting in the south-east and the north-west and rolling from there.”
The first two regions to open will be followed by six other areas in a programme that is due completion by the end of 2005.