What is permissive access?

In some cases, landowners will allow people to walk through private land, even when the visitors do not have any legal access.

This 'permissive access', coloured purple on our countryside access map, includes some land covered by Tir Gofal agreements, which give access to specified parts of the farm.

It also includes National Trust land and National Park access agreements and means that the landowner or tenant of the land has agreed to allow public access for open-air recreation, normally on foot.

Some of the permissive access areas and paths may be closed at certain times of the year to allow agricultural operations (e.g. lambing, heather burning) and to protect sensitive sites (e.g. during nesting of rare birds).

Can I take my dog?

Dogs must be kept on a short fixed lead at all times whilst on permissive access routes or areas. Although access for dogs may be stopped altogether at certain times of the year.

Generally you can take the dog along, unless there is a restriction stopping you from doing so.

If in doubt, keep your dog on a lead so there is no chance of it harming farm animals, nesting birds or other wildlife.

What can’t I do?

You can’t go camping, cycling, horse riding - or race, drive or ride any vehicle other than a mobility scooter or buggy, without the permission of the land owner or occupier. 

What land is covered by permissive access?

• Tir Cymen and Tir Gofal - two agriculture and environment schemes under the Welsh Assembly Government. Farmers enter into ten-year agreements to manage their farms in an environmentally sensitive way and this can include allowing access on certain routes or in certain areas. All these routes will be clearly signed and waymarked.
• Country Parks - can be found throughout Wales. A few are owned and managed privately, by the National Trust for example, but most belong to local authorities or other public bodies. Entry is usually free, although there may be a charge for car parking or the use of facilities, or on days when special events are being held.
• The National Trust - has other land to which it allows access, including tracts of mountain land and coastline. Check out the National Trust website for more information on their permissive land.