Originally created from a news feed from The Daily Telegraph during the Foot and Mouth problems of 2001 the following information has been retained because of the range of web sites available to the casual and more dedicated walker. 
The original article was by Gill Charlton.

REMEMBER THE COUNTRY CODE: http://www.counties.co.uk/counties/country_code.html

FOR YOUR INTEREST: The Right to Roam Legislation Right to Roam Legislation - The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000  

If you want more detailed information on the Act, its exact wording, and its effect on nature conservation and areas of outstanding natural beauty, contact the Countryside Agency as follows:
The Countryside Agency, John Dower House, Crescent Place, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3RA
Tel: +44 (0)1242 521381 or Fax: +44 (0)1242 584270 or visit www.countryside.gov.uk
OR full text of the act is at: www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000

For details of the effects in Wales visit www.ccw.gov.uk or telephone the Recreation and Access Section +44 (0)1248 385633.

Land with access agreements. Much open land in national parks (especially the Peak District) and elsewhere is covered by voluntary access agreements with the landowners. Also see www.countrywalks.org.uk for access under Countryside Stewardship.

National Cycle Network. Many of these new cycle routes are along traffic free paths. Look out for signs or contact Sustrans www.sustrans.org.uk or Tel: +44 (0)117 929 0888.

A good source of information is the Walkwatch page on the The Ramblers' Association's website www.ramblers.org.uk. Walkers should note that many paths have not been cut back or repaired after the winter floods, so long trousers and stout shoes are advised.

In the West Country, the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path www.swcp.org.uk is open from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall. All rights of way on North and South Dartmoor; www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk information service.

Exmoor www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk,. The National Park website has very good maps which can be quickly downloaded.

In the Lake District, there are now 33 access points to the high fells, including a new route from Eskdale to Scafell Pike. The Ullswater lake-shore walk from Howtown to Glenridding and other access to fells in that area www.cumbria.gov.uk.

In Northumberland, paths in the national park and coastal walks, including very popular stretches of Hadrian's Wall have a  website at www.hadrians-wall.org .

In Yorkshire www.northyorks.gov.uk.

In the Brecon Beacons www.breconbeacons.org.