FAQs for walks on MoD land

Can I walk on MoD land?

Yes, with the following caveats.

What are the caveats?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) own the following areas which are subject to specific access rules:

• Ashford Hills
• Castlemartin
• Catterick
• Salisbury Plain
• Sandhurst
• Shoeburyness
• Tyneham Cap
• Wareham Forest
• West Down South

What are the rules?

The MoD land is used for military training, so access is restricted when training is taking place. For details of when these areas are open to the public, please check the MoD's official website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-access-to-defence-training-land

The Ramblers have secured access to some areas of MoD land for walking, but these are restricted to official Ramblers-led walks only. The access agreements may change, so please check the MoD website for the most up-to-date information.

Can I access any other MoD land?

The MoD also own other land which is not generally open for public access. If you wish to access any of these areas, please contact the MoD directly for permission.

Are there any other restrictions?

Yes, please observe the following:

• Do not walk on the land when firing is in progress.
• Do not touch or interfere with any military equipment.
• Do not light any fires.
• Keep dogs under close control.
• Do not leave gates open.
• Do not damage any crops or vegetation.
• Do not disturb any wildlife.
• Do not enter any buildings or structures.

What happens if I do not comply with the rules?

Failure to comply with these rules could result in prosecution or the withdrawal of access rights.

Are there any specific risks associated with walking on MoD land?

Yes, the main risk is that the land is used for military training, which may involve live firing exercises. Therefore, it is essential to check the MoD website for details of when these areas are open to the public before you visit.

What should I do if I see any military activity?

If you see any military activity, please report it to the MoD immediately.

1. Where does this arrangement apply?

The notification arrangement applies to all parts of the MoD Training Estate in North East Hampshire and North West Surrey where Byelaw access is permitted.

• Managed Access Land: Most of these areas are marked on OS maps with open red triangles.
• Range Danger Areas: Marked with solid red triangles. These are usually live-firing ranges where public access is strictly restricted.

2. What about Public Rights of Way?

Public Rights of Way (PRoW) are generally not affected by this arrangement, unless subject to “red flag” restrictions (see below).

3. What other MoD sites are involved?

• Ash Ranges: Managed by a “red flag” system. When red flags are down, access is permitted through specific gates.
• Chilcomb Ranges: No public access beyond the rights of way that cross the area.
• Thorney Island (West Sussex): Access is strictly limited to the perimeter Right of Way.

4. Are there notices to indicate MoD boundaries?

Yes. Boundaries are generally marked with signs displaying military byelaws and access information.

5. What about “Red Flag” areas?

These are typically labelled as “Danger Area” on OS maps. When Red Flags (day) or Red Lights (night) are displayed, public access is strictly prohibited. Even when flags are down, stay on designated routes to avoid unexploded ordnance.

6. Further Information

• Public Access to Military Areas: Information about public access to military-owned land Public access to military areas
• South East Training Estate firing times: Firing and closure times for the South East Training Estate, including Aldershot, Ash, Barossa, Chilcomb, Hythe, Longmoor, Lydd, Moody’s Down, Pirbright and Otmoor ranges. Firing and closure times for the South East Training Estate

ATM – 3/9/21 PJ - 28/05/26