DTE Wales and West: 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.
Castlemartin range
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is 288 kilometres long. During non-firing periods, the public can use the section from Trevallen, via Stack Rocks, to the lower Warren Road.
There are a number of ancient fortified sites along the walk’s route, and on the coastal section in Range East the public must at all times stay on the seaward side of the white stakes. Public access to the range impact areas is, however, prohibited at all times.
Great care is taken to ensure the safety of these walks, although areas used by the armed forces for training can obviously be dangerous – and this applies throughout the Pembrokeshire training areas. Anyone walking on MoD land must obey all signs and byelaws relevant to the area being visited.
Sennybridge training area
Red flags fly continually along the range boundary, indicating that this site is subject to Military Bylaws. Within this area is the newly created Epynt Way. This circular permissive bridleway (some 60km long) allows members of the public to walk, ride or cycle around the edge of the training area, with unspoilt views across to the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and the Cambrian Mountains. The route connects all rights of way that lead onto the training area from outside its boundaries. There are five car parks that service the Epynt Way. There are also walks for the disabled and able-bodied, with magnificent views across the Epynt.
Caerwent training area
Public access is not permitted to the camps and training areas at Caerwent.
Swynnerton training area
At Swynnerton, public access is not generally permitted.
Nesscliff training area
Nesscliff has a number of public footpaths crossing the northern part of the training area.
Leek and Upper Hulme training area
At Leek, there are approximately 12 km of statutory public rights of way, most of which are footpaths. There is one bridleway to the south west of the area and an open access area around Merryton Low. The training area can also be used by the public, with permission, for activities that don’t disturb the conservation interests of the area, such as organised walks. Public access to the range impact area is, however, prohibited at all times.
Red flags fly continually along the range boundary, indicating that this site is subject to Military Bylaws. Within this area is the newly created Epynt Way. This circular permissive bridleway (some 60km long) allows members of the public to walk, ride or cycle around the edge of the training area, with unspoilt views across to the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and the Cambrian Mountains. The route connects all rights of way that lead onto the training area from outside its boundaries. There are five car parks that service the Epynt Way. There are also walks for the disabled and able-bodied, with magnificent views across the Epynt.
Caerwent training area
Public access is not permitted to the camps and training areas at Caerwent.