The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 gave a new right of access on foot for the purposes of open-air recreation to open country, common land and land dedicated as access land.
You can use this access land for walking, running, watching wildlife and climbing but not usually for horse-riding, cycling, camping, driving a vehicle (except mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs) or water sports. You don't need to stick to paths on open access land - you have a freedom to roam.
You must keep your dog on a lead no more than 2 metres long on open access land between 1 March and 31 July - to protect ground-nesting birds and at all times around livestock.
The open access land in the county borough consists of:
- 3588 hectares of registered common land
- 1698 hectares of woodland managed by Natural Resources Wales
- 497 hectares of open country
That makes a combined total of 5783 hectares in Caerphilly or over 20% of the county borough. As one hectare or 2½ acres is roughly the size of 2 rugby pitches, that’s about 2890 Rugby pitches worth of open access land you can enjoy walking on in Caerphilly county borough.
Look out for these symbols which identify open access land.
This new open access land offers great opportunities for informal recreation. However, with these opportunities come rights and responsibilities for the public who wish to use the land. Open access land may well be privately owned. Please follow the Country Code and respect the land you are walking on.
The Natural Resources Wales website has more information on all aspects of open access land.
