Important Information for Walkers

The Farmland and Code of Conduct

Farmland is private property and access is only available with the goodwill and tolerance of farmers. While most farmers do not object to recreational users crossing their land, others do not wish to permit access. Their wishes must always be complied with.
Always remember, farmland is a working environment and all persons who enter do so at their own risk. Under the 1995 Occupiers, Liability Act, there is an obligation on entrants to take all necessary steps to ensure their own safety.
Entrants are also responsible for any damage to private property, livestock and crops resulting from their actions. If crossing farmland, ensure your presence is unobtrusive and does not interfere with farming activities.

Respect farmland and the rural environment.

  • Do not interfere with livestock, crops, machinery or other property.
  • Guard against all risks of fire, especially near forests.
  • Leave all farm gates as you find them.
  • Always keep children under close control and supervision.
  • Avoid entering farmland containing livestock. Your presence can cause stress to livestock and even endanger your own safety.
  • Do not enter farmland if you have dogs with you, even if on a leash unless with the permission of the landowner.
  • Always use gates, stiles, or other recognised access points and avoid damage to fences, hedges and walls.
  • Take your litter home.
  • Take special care on country roads.
  • Avoid making any unnecessary noise.
  • Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
  • Take heed of warning signs - they are there for your protection.
  • If following a recognised walking route keep to the waymarked trail.
  • Immediately report any damage caused by your actions to the farmer or landowner.
  • Do not block farm entrances when parking.

People whose recreations brings them frequently onto farmland should join responsible organisations that can arrange for access in a structured and controlled way. If you are a member of a sporting or recreational club, please check if you have adequate insurance cover to protect both you and the property owner.
Reproduced courtesy of IFA.
DO NOT BRING DOGS on Way or section of Way, which crosses farmland. The Ways often cross fields grazed by cattle and sheep, and any dog seen chasing domestic animals is quite likely to be shot.
Waymarked Walking Ways are for precisely what they are named, for walking. While some sections on roads or green roads are suitable sections on paths and especially across bogland are quite unsuitable for horses or mountain bikes, which rapidly create wet, boggy, muddy morasses, which are most unpleasant for all those to follow.
PLEASE DO NOT WALK the Ways in large groups. Such groups create erosion problems and are seen as intrusive by the occupiers of the land on whose goodwill we depend. They also create problems at stiles or other bottlenecks, often leaving gates open and damaging fences.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.