Access Land

A major new right of access to the countryside for walkers was completed across England on 31st October 2005 under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The public was given the right to go walking, running, sightseeing, picnicking and bird watching across land that has been mapped as Open Country or Registered Common Land (together called Access Land).

There are many small and large areas of countryside around Sheffield and the Peak District that have been mapped as Access Land. You can search Natural England for maps or look out for our information boards which can be found at:

• Rivelin Valley Café
  
• Stannington Library
  
• Low Bradfield car park
  
• Coppice Road at Lodge Moor
  
• Bolsterstone village centre
  
• Oughtibridge Millenium Green
  
• Limb Valley at Ringinglow
  

Access Land is also shown on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps which can be purchased from most good bookshops and outdoor shops.

Access Land maps

These maps are designed to provide you with as much information as possible on areas of Access Land in the Sheffield area. You should also read Natural England’s Countryside access and the new rights leaflet for background information.

Although you may walk where you wish to on the land coloured yellow on the maps, subject to any temporary restrictions, the main paths in the area are shown by the black dashed lines. We recommend using Ordnance Survey Explorer maps, as our maps are not intended for use whilst out walking. 

You are reminded to take care of yourself when walking in the countryside. Although paths across Access Land are generally obvious on the ground and are often signed with waymark arrows, they are often rough and steep without properly constructed surfaces.

Not all areas of Access Land around Sheffield are currently shown on this website, but they will all be available shortly.