FAmily looking out and admiring the sunning landscape over Ullswater

The Countryside Code

Respect. Protect. Enjoy!

The Countryside Code encourages visitors to respect, protect and enjoy to great outdoors.

Respect other people

  • 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 natural environment

  • Take your litter home - leave no trace of your visit
  • Do not light fires or barbecues 
  • 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 and what you can do
  • Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory!

Family walking on a footpath in the Lake District

Which paths you are allowed to go on, on foot, on bike and on horseback.

Public footpaths - Yellow arrows.

Yellow arrow footpath waymarker For people on foot only.

Public bridleway – blue arrows.

Blue arrow bridleway waymarker For people on foot, horse riders and cyclists.

Restricted byways – purple arrows.

Victoria plum-coloured arrow restricted byway waymarker For people on foot, horse riders, cyclists and horse drawn vehicles.

Byways open to all traffic – red arrows.

Red arrow byway open to all traffic waymarker For all of the above plus cars and motorbikes.

Permitted path – white arrows

White arrow permissive path waymarker Only for people on foot unless it specifically says otherwise.

Learn the Countryside Code with Shaun the Sheep