Climbing and walking restrictions in Britain due to Foot and Mouth Disease

The current epidemic of Foot and Mouth Disease in Britain has resulted in Local Authorities prohibiting all movement in the countryside off public highways
The current epidemic of Foot and Mouth Disease in Britain has resulted in Local Authorities prohibiting all movement in the countryside off public highways. A fine of up to £5000 has been imposed for anyone found breaking these restrictions.

In early March the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) stated “Most countryside, crags and public rights of way in England and Wales are currently closed for access. This includes all access land (including most cliffs) within National Parks, most sea cliffs, most cliffs accessible from public rights of way or over farmland and most cliffs on land owned by the Forestry Commission and the Water Companies.”

Since the outbreak the BMC has been lobying hard for the lifting of restrictions in areas with no confirmed foot and mouth cases. Recently some footpaths have been re-opened in three counties and and it is hoped that other parts of the country will gradually be re-opend.

As the access situation is changing daily the BMC has established a Foot and Mouth Location Watch database to help walkers and climbers, which now lists 91 area warnings and restrictions.

For detailed information and updates about the current situation see
 www.thebmc.co.uk/
 Traditional rock climbing in England and Wales
 

The Peak District, currently closed to hillwalking and climbing
Photo Guy Maddox collection


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