The right to walk on open access land was created by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. It is sometimes referred to as the 'right to roam'. This right was established in Bolton in September 2004 and gives an unrestricted right for people to walk across any land which has been selected as open access land.
Types of open access land
There are two broad types of land that make up access land, open countryside and registered common land. All of the 296 hectares of access land within the Borough of Bolton are open countryside.
Open countryside itself is land which fits into one of four broad categories, namely: mountain (Land over 600 metres), moorland, heathland or downland. Most of the access land within Bolton is moorland.
What can I do and where can I go?
You can take part in most activities on foot that would be described as quiet recreation. These include walking, running, climbing and bird watching. Dogs are permitted on access land but pursuits such as camping and the lighting of fires is not. When leaving access land, it is important that you are using an official public right of way or other public highway.
Bolton's access land is located within two main areas, which are the areas of moorland extending to the north of Smithills and beyond and Cheetham Close which is in Egerton.
Please see the document under 'downloads' to view a map showing the location of access land within Bolton.