DTE North: Access
There is a presumption in favour of public access to the Defence Training Estate, on Public Rights of Way. This has to be balanced against the over-riding national requirement for safe and sustainable military training and conservation. The first priorities for the estates are military training and public safety, followed closely by archaeology, conservation and agriculture. However, controlled public access is encouraged wherever and whenever possible.
Catterick training area
There is no access across the danger area at any time for the general public. The military tracks on the moor are used by farmers and personnel involved in the maintenance of the SSSI. Barriers remain closed at all times in the interests of security and safety. People wanting to cross Stainton and Bellerby Moor use the public footpath, which follows the northern boundary of the danger area and can be used at any time.
Feldom training area
There are two public roads: Cordilleras Lane and a gravelled track. Other roads in the area are military roads with permanently locked barriers.
Ripon Parks training area
A road (mostly single track) runs through the area and incorporates a bridleway and a national trail.
Warcop
Training takes place seven days a week, virtually all year. Night firing is also permitted on most days except Sundays (pm). For safety reasons, public access to the danger area is restricted to the public rights of way during non-firing days only.
Live shells and mortar bombs are still found on the ranges during clearance operations. Access is permitted on the public rights of way on 12 weekends per year, which are publicly notified 12 months in advance. Other short notice access days are advertised locally. For additional information, please call 0800 7835181 or visit www.access.mod.uk.
Halton and Holcombe
At Holcombe, there are five well-used public rights of way that cross the site.
Otterburn training area
Recreational activities such as walking, riding and cycling are encouraged on the public rights of way, in addition to managed events on other non-public areas.
Public access to most of the area is managed using military byelaws. Accessibility is notified by the use of red flags and/or lamps and road barriers when the byelaws are in operation. Failure to adhere to them is a criminal offence.
The land north of the River Coquet is not covered by byelaws. The area is used for ‘dry-training’ (no live rounds) and the public may encounter troops in this area. It has been designated as ‘Open Access’ in accordance with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW). This area offers an unrivaled outdoor experience for those wanting to explore the Cheviot Foothills and Border Country.