Dartmoor National Park Authority

In areas where there is open access, generally you do not have to stay on footpaths, bridleways or other rights of way. The public has legal open access to approximately 47,400 hectares of Dartmoor. Of this total, public access on foot (and horseback) to the Dartmoor commons, extending for some 35,200 hectares, was secured under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985. A further 5,200 hectares is access on foot made by agreement between the National Park Authority and a number of landowners/ occupiers.

New walking rights on Dartmoor specifically arising from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, as from 28 August 2005, extend to approximately 7,000 hectares.

Generally, accessing Dartmoor’s open country is relatively straightforward. However, because of the Dartmoor Commons Act, the open access situation on Dartmoor is different from that for the rest of the country. Understanding your rights and responsibilities associated with the different types of open access on Dartmoor is important for your enjoyment, for land and livestock management reasons, and for wildlife conservation.

Help the Ranger Service look after this outstanding area, by following the Countryside Code and Moor Care guidelines.