Private property
The right of public access includes privately owned land. However, it doesn’t extend to areas with growing crops or the private protection zone, i.e the area closest to someone’s private residence.
While you are free to walk, cycle, ride, or paddle across private land, you must respect areas close to residences – this is known as the private protection zone. In hilly or densely vegetated areas, the private zone might be closer to the house, while in open, flat areas, it could be larger. It can sometimes be tricky to know where private protection zones begins and public access ends, but look for clear markers like fences, hedges, roads or footpaths. Natural boundaries like ditches or forest edges might also indicate the zone.
Keep in mind
- Respect residents’ privacy - avoid lingering near homes and maintain a reasonable distance.
- The private protection zone varies – it’s smaller in wooded or hilly terrain, and larger in open areas.
- Look for physical boundaries – fences, hedges, paths, and natural features often indicate the edge of private space.
- When stopping for a meal or camping, keep more distance from houses than when you’re just passing by.
Fences and property boundaries
Homeowners are allowed to enclose their privacy zone with a fence, but they cannot block access to areas beyond it solely to exclude others. If they do, they must provide an entry point such as a gate or stile. Commercial buildings like barns or storage units do not have a private protection zone, as they are not residential.
Local considerations
In older fishing villages, houses are built close together, and residents are accustomed to people walking nearby. In contrast, rural holiday homes often have larger plots, where visitors should be more mindful of maintaining a respectful distance.
Remember to keep a respectful distance
Outside the private protection zone, the right of public access applies, but visitors must always act in a considerate manner. Whether taking a break, picking berries, or setting up camp, it is essential to respect residents and their privacy. Since there is no exact distance which defines the private protection zone, erring on the side of caution is always best to ensure a positive experience for both visitors and locals.
If you plan to stop for a rest, a meal, or to camp, it is best to maintain a greater distance from homes than when simply passing through. The more disruptive an activity is, the farther away you should be.