DTE Otterburn: 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.
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.