Cotswolds-Early April-Should I make alternative plans?
 

Greetings, <BR> <BR>My flight is booked so, like it or not, I'm heading off to England on April 5th. My original intention (pre-foot & mouth) was to walk and drive through the fields and country roads of the Cotswolds. While I'm aware that footpaths and fields are now off limits, can someone tell me about the country roads? Are humans allowed to pass by car and on foot on the country back roads? <BR>If not, are there any areas in England where restrictions to walkers and drivers are few? In other words, if my primary objective is to see the countryside and get a little exercise while I'm at it, am I better off heading to an area other than the Cotswolds? <BR>Any advice would be greatly appreciated. <BR>Thanks <BR>

Hello Katherine, <BR> <BR>For up-to-date information on the situation in the Cotswolds see:- <BR> <BR>www.visit-glos.org.uk <BR> <BR>It might be a good idea to e-mail a couple of the Tourist Information Offices in the area for information, - though the current problem will not stop you from visiting any of the lovely villages. <BR> <BR>If you find you're not able to do as much walking as you hoped, come to nearby Dorset, which is unaffected at present and has some lovely countryside! <BR> <BR>Have a lovely holiday! <BR> <BR>Steve <BR>

Steve, <BR> <BR>Is that so? Is Dorset completely unaffected? Would I be able to walk/hike unfettered by rules and regulations? Does that include fields and paths or just country roads. <BR> <BR>Can you tell me a little more about what I might expect in Dorset and where the walking/hiking would be at its best? <BR> <BR>Thanks a lot Steve <BR> <BR>-Katherine

Nice try, Katherine. From the Dorset County Council web page: "Meanwhile the County Council's ban on access to 2,000 miles of rural footpaths remains in place. The temporary bans will be looked at again at the end of this week. <BR> <BR> The Council's Countryside Service has now distributed 5,000 prohibition posters – to be displayed on footpaths by farmers -- in a bid to stop Foot and Mouth spreading to Dorset. More than 50 large road side signs, reminding motorists that rural footpaths are <BR>closed, are also displayed at key junctions across the county. <BR> <BR>Please note that even if there is no notice on a path crossing agricultural land, you are still banned from going on <BR>that path. Anyone infringing this order can be fined up to £5000."

Hello again Katherine, <BR> <BR>Dorset remains unaffected as yet but, as Ron has said, there are temporary restrictions on 'rights of way' across or near farmland. However, there is a mistaken impression that "the countryside is closed" throughout Britain, which those of us who live here can affirm is not true. <BR> <BR>The situation is under review all the time, particularly in view of the effect this is having on the tourist industry in rural areas. My advice would be perhaps to keep your plans flexible, - your best sources of information will be the local Tourist Information Centres in the areas you visit. <BR> <BR>Whether you go to the Cotswolds, or Dorset, or both, you will find many lovely places to visit. Much of Dorset is a designated area of 'Outstanding Natural Beauty', - the coastal scenery from Purbeck all the way to Sidmouth in East Devon includes some of the best in England... <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip, - and visit Bath too while you're so near! <BR> <BR>Steve <BR> <BR>

Steve, <BR> <BR>Are there restrictions to walkers in the coastal areas you mentioned in Dorset? Are people limited walking about the towns? <BR> <BR>Thanks Steve <BR> <BR>Katherine

Katherine, I know you would rather get your advice from Steve, but the Southwest Coast Path is closed, except through urban areas and some beaches,see http://www.swcp.org.uk/assoc/PathNews.html <BR> <BR>I have been following this closely because I have taken walking holidays in the UK every year since 1994. I am leaving for London this Saturday and, because of F&M, this will be a totally urban holiday. The countryside may be open for people in cars and people walking on paved roads, but it is closed for people walking on footpaths. <BR> <BR>Cheers, <BR> <BR>Ron

Ron, <BR> <BR>You are mistaken. I would rather get advice that is factual. I'm trying to determine what that is. <BR>But I am getting the message. Footpaths and fields closed. Back roads, in some areas, open. Maybe I should head for Ireland if countryside walking is what I'm after. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the information. <BR> <BR>-Katherine

Ireland could be worth a try, I suppose. This is what the F&M advisory on the Irish Tourist Board site says: <BR> <BR>"Hill Walking <BR> <BR>This is still actively discouraged." <BR> <BR>http://www.ireland.travel.ie/events/...asp?eventId=79 <BR> <BR>

Have a look at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food site at http://www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/default.htm and look at the "Advice on country activites" section. It gives some very clear information which you may find useful. There has been a lot very hysterical coverage about the situation. I can safely say that it has had no impact on me or anyone I know. <BR> <BR>You could also look at http://www.wildlife-countryside.detr...f/guidance.htm.