This guidance has been produced by the Ramblers to assist walkers in understanding their rights and responsibilities when crossing land which is part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Training Estate. It also provides information for members who may wish to engage with the MoD on access issues.
The MoD Training Estate covers a significant area of the UK. While much of it is accessible for walking, there are restrictions in place for safety reasons during periods of military training. It is essential that all walkers are aware of these restrictions and follow the guidance provided.
The MoD Training Estate comprises land owned or managed by the Ministry of Defence that is used for military training purposes. This can include ranges, training areas, and barracks.
The primary reason for access restrictions on the MoD Training Estate is safety. Live firing, explosions, and the movement of military vehicles can pose significant risks.
The MoD has the power to temporarily close public access to parts of its estate for safety reasons. These closures are usually advertised in advance.
When walking on or near the MoD Training Estate, it is vital to act responsibly to ensure your own safety and the safety of others, and to maintain good relations with the MoD.
The Ramblers aims to secure and protect the right to walk on the MoD Training Estate wherever possible, while respecting the needs of the military.
If you encounter problems with access, signage, or safety on the MoD Training Estate, please report them to:
The MoD holds Access Forum meetings in some areas. These provide a platform for discussion between the MoD, access organisations (including the Ramblers), and other stakeholders. Your local Ramblers group can provide information on whether such forums operate in your area and how you can get involved.
To: All Ramblers walks leaders wishing to utilise the MoD Training Estate in Hampshire and Surrey.
Many of you will be aware of the guidance about walks planned to take place on MoD land locally which was published in 2014 on the Hampshire and Surrey Area websites. After more than six years, this advice has been updated to reflect the current situation.
This guidance document updates and replaces the 2014 version.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) administers MoD land to enable army training to be undertaken safely. Recently, there has been some confusion regarding the requirement to notify walks in advance. The MoD has increased its use of these lands for training as forces have withdrawn from areas in Germany and elsewhere.
The Ramblers are members of the Local Access Forums, which established an MoD Liaison group to work with the military on all aspects of access. Representatives from Hampshire and Surrey Ramblers met with the DIO recently to clarify the situation for groups of walkers.
Public access to MoD land is determined by Byelaws (currently under review). In the meantime, we have agreed that walk leaders will notify the details of any walk that enters MoD lands.
The walk will be entered into the DIO log. If a clash with a training exercise occurs, the DIO will contact the walk leader to manage the potential conflict.
Please Note: This is NOT a booking system for Ramblers Groups. It is an exchange of information to determine if particular parts of the Training Estate are in use on a specific day.
If you have an emergency while on MoD lands (e.g., you require an ambulance), you must contact the DIO so they can facilitate access for emergency vehicles.
Emergency Contact Numbers: 01420 483405 or 01420 483407
If you have any questions regarding this guidance, please contact:
– July 2021 –