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The role of Access Officer covers all access issues other than those which involve a public right of way. I regularly attend both the Yorkshire Dales National Park Access Committee and the Local Access Forum meetings as part of my duties as well as being involved in other access issues across the National Park. Open Access came to Richmondshire and the Yorkshire Dales on the 28th May 2005. This expanded the area that the public could freely roam on within the National Park from 4% to 64% in a single day. It all came about by the introduction of the CRoW act in 2000 and the mapping of open country, which began a year later. Richmondshire Ramblers played an important part during the mapping process. Many hours of work were put in by members checking maps and confirming that “our patch” had as much access land as possible. Since open access arrived we have been busy exploring new routes on the high fells as well as working with the National Park Rangers to improve the infrastructure. Some of our work includes documenting the position of present gates and stiles and calculating where extra ones would be advantageous. We are always happy to give advice and help to those who may wish to visit our open access areas. Initial contact can be made through this web site. Important notes on open access in the Yorkshire Dales:Always check that the area that you wish to walk on is in fact open on that day (restrictions can apply). Most of the fells and moors have a complete dog ban for the next five years. (This does not affect public rights of way) Between March 1st and July 31st dogs must be kept on a short lead of a fixed length of no more than 2 metres, and at all other times when in the vicinity of livestock. During very dry weather the moors can be closed due to fire risk.Click here For access info on the "Countryside Access" Site Access contact centre: 0845 100 3298: Check National Park Information Centres: Watch for local signs |