OpenFell
Access rights

Access rights in Wales

Wales follows the same CRoW framework as England, but with far more mapped open country — around a fifth of the nation, including most of its high ground. Camping, though, needs permission everywhere.

By Ryan · Access position reviewed August 2026

Right to roam
Conditional Right to roam only on mapped CRoW open access land
Wild camping
Permission needed Permission needed everywhere
Paths
Definitive map Public rights of way recorded on definitive maps

Right to roam

As in England, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 applies: access on foot to mapped open country and registered common land — around 20% of Wales, including most of the high ground of Eryri (Snowdonia), Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and the Cambrian Mountains. Natural Resources Wales maintains the maps. Elsewhere, keep to public rights of way.

Paths and rights of way

Definitive maps are held by local highway authorities. Around 7,500 miles of historic paths in Wales are estimated to be missing from the record (Ramblers). The historic-path registration deadline position is the same as England's: 2031 on the statute book, with a Government commitment to repeal — unresolved until legislation passes.

Wild camping

There is no Welsh equivalent of the Dartmoor commons right. Wild camping anywhere in Wales requires the landowner's permission; without it you are trespassing (a civil matter). High-level "leave no trace" camping is tolerated in places but has no legal basis.

The full nation-by-nation picture, including the Dartmoor litigation and how to ask a landowner for permission, is in our UK wild-camping guide.

Dogs

On CRoW access land, dogs must be on a short lead 1 March – 31 July and at all times near livestock. On rights of way, keep dogs under close control.

Seasonal & conditional restrictions

The headline rules above are the general position. Through the year, the following can narrow it — check before you travel.

  • CRoW closures and restrictions — check Natural Resources Wales before travelling.
  • Ground-nesting-bird restrictions on moorland, typically March–July.
  • MOD ranges (e.g. Epynt/Sennybridge): live firing closes access — check firing times.

Key legislation & guidance

Last reviewed August 2026. This page is general information about the law, not legal advice — local byelaws, seasonal restrictions and closures can override the general position described here.

Long-distance paths under these rules

25 waymarked long-distance routes in our database run through Wales. Following a waymarked route does not change the position above — it is still the same need for permission to camp, and the same rules on leaving the path — but a route with an agreed line is the simplest way to walk a long way here without a rights question at every stile.

Longest 10 shown — browse all 25 routes in Wales.

Compare and check