The Countryside Code, shortened

What it actually asks of you

Everyone has heard of the Countryside Code and almost nobody has read it, which is a shame, because it is short and most of it is obvious in the way that useful things are obvious. It is published by the government and grouped under three headings: respect everyone, protect the environment, enjoy the outdoors.

In my own words, the parts I have actually needed:

• Leave gates as you found them. If it was open, it was open for a reason; if it was shut, likewise.
• Park without blocking a gateway or a driveway. This is the one that makes farmers hate walkers.
• Stay on marked paths unless the access is wider than the path.
• Take litter home. All of it, including the biodegradable kind, which does not degrade at any speed that helps.
• No fires. Barbecues only where a sign says yes.
• Dogs under control and in sight. Bag the mess and bin it, or carry it out.
• Say hello. It is in there, more or less in those words, and it costs nothing.

Read the real thing: The Countryside Code (GOV.UK). It is a few minutes and it is written for people, not for lawyers.