sean_iow wrote: ↑Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:51 pm
There are a couple of open access areas on the Island where rights of way go past the boundaries but there is no way (that I have found) in to them
There are a few areas like that round here. I had a run in, albeit a very civil one, with a farmer a little while back when I had parked on a track at a gateway that leads onto access land and as a result did a little research so as to stand me in better stead for a 'discussion' next time around. He had me bang to rights about parking on the land, which I already knew, but he also claimed I'd accessed the land in the incorrect place and access was only permitted via a public right of way, which in this case was by veering from a bridleway at the far side of the plot.
Anyway, it turns out you can enter access land anyway you wish so long as "
he does so without breaking or damaging any wall, fence, hedge, stile or gate", so climbing in wherever you see fit is quite legit. I can quite imagine claims that
any climbing over a wall/fence/locked gate is doing damage, but can't imagine that standing up in court should it ever get there. And in my case, the gate I'd naughtily driven through could have been used to walk onto the land quite lawfully despite the guy's assertion.
Ramblers have a
guide which summarises.
And I'd not dream of cycling there, obviously.
It's all a nonsense. I'm so bloody jealous of those north of the border!
