|  | | The Stepping Stones at Dovedale |
| | There are rules and regulations which govern where we can, and cannot, walk - whether or not the land is considered public. |
| | | You are probably familiar with footpaths and bridleways.
A glance at an Ordnance Survey map will show these are shown by green or red dashes (depending on the scale of the map).
Look at the key and you'll discover more.
However, the presence of a dashed path on a map does not necessarily mean you can walk on it.
| Pete's walking tip | | Always carry a map and compass with you and get to know how to use them. There are books available to help and local colleges often run evening classes. The National Navigation Award Scheme has courses running at various centres around the country too. |
If a black dash is not accompanied by a green or red dash then it is not a public right of way.
Derbyshire is also blessed with many square kilometres of Access Land.
This is predominately moorland on which the landowner allows us, the public, to walk.
You are not constrained by footpaths on access land and you can use your navigational skills to wander where the spirit takes you.
Access land is shown in purple on 1:25000 scale OS maps.
If in doubt, ask someone with experience or in information centres where you can and where you cannot walk.
In 2000, parliament passed The Countryside and Rights of Way Act.
 | Public footpath sign
(Photo: Pete Hawkins) |
This is in the process of opening up many square kilometres of previously private land to walkers.
But it is not a charter to walk where you please.
This will only affect large areas of mountain, moorland, heath and downland in England and Wales.
Most lowland farmland and back gardens will not be affected.
The authorities are still mapping these areas and consulting with landowners.
Eventually (possibly sometime in 2003) these areas will be open to the public as access land is but until that happens, stick to what the maps tell you.
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