Countryside Access - Things to Do

Giving yourself a break from the daily grind and heading off for the countryside can work wonders, even if it’s just for the afternoon. Why not get away from it all and get active in the countryside? If you’re not sure what to do or where you can go, what can be better than exploring the great outdoors, leisurely cycling along unusual tracks, riding a horse along a half-forgotten bridleway or simply putting on a picnic?

On Cat Bells near Keswick ©Countryside Agency/Charlie Hedley

Pull on your boots, dust off your cagoule and discover land where you can walk freely without having to stick to paths. Our online Open Access Maps will show you where you can go. Go on, be adventurous.

View the maps

Walkers enjoying scenery on a Spring day, on Cat Bells near Keswick ©Countryside Agency/Charlie Hedley

We are starting to put together a selection of walks which you can download, print out and take with you. It’s a new section, so keep watching for more walks and let us know what you think.

Find a walk near you

Cyclists at Cuckmere Haven, Seven Sisters Country Park ©Countryside Agency/P. Greenhalf

Escape the traffic and ride your bike off-road through the country’s network of trails and cycle tracks.

Get cycling

Riders from Crimdon Pony World exercise their horses along the dunes and beach near Crimdon Dean ©Countryside Agency/Charlie Hedley

Mount up and enjoy riding a horse or pony along the quiet lanes and bridleways that were once the main roads of England.

Enjoy a ride by horseback

Dry Valley, Malham ©Countryside Agency/McCoy-Wynne

There are thousands of walking trails all over the country, discover them here and get walking.

Discover a trail

There are plenty of other activities apart from walking, cycling and horse riding, so if you want to try something new or need advice on where to get more information this is the section for you.

Try a new activity