When walking in the Cotswolds, please always remember the Countryside Code:
Respect everyone
- be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
- leave gates and property as you find them
- do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
- be nice, say hello, share the space
- follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect the environment
- take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
- do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
- always keep dogs under control and in sight
- dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
- care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy the outdoors
- check your route and local conditions
- plan your adventure – know what to expect (weather conditions, hours of daylight)
- enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
Background
People now have greater freedom to enjoy and understand the Cotswolds National Landscape. Many sections of the Cotswolds countryside that were previously off-limits are now open for public access. This is as a result of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. New access rights came into effect across the whole of England on 31 October 2005, when three quarters of a million hectares of land was opened up. This move is rooted in a 100-year-old campaign to allow people to wander the wilder parts of Britain at will. Please remember to always check signage and waymarking, and make sure that you are following a public access route, and that you have not wandered onto private property.