Countryside Code
The East Riding of Yorkshire is full of beautiful scenery that can be explored through hugely popular walks. This beauty is not without risk, however. Treat nature with respect and prepare for your day.
The Countryside Code
There are not many things better than going for a leisurely stroll round your local village, past windswept cliffs, rolling hills and open fields.
However, it is important to realise you are not alone! Spare a thought for the birds, animals, plants and trees you may encounter and what you can do to help conserve their future. Keep to designated routes, close any gates you open and keep your dogs under close control.
Download The Countryside Code leaflet
View the full Countryside Code: Advice for countryside visitors and advice for land managers on the GOV.UK website.
View the full Countryside Code
Please keep out of the nature reserve ponds at all times, swimming and paddling is not permitted.
Dogs and farm animals
It's always good practice (and a legal requirement on open access land) to keep your dog on a lead around farm animals and horses, for your own safety and for the welfare of the animals. A farmer may shoot a dog which is attacking or chasing farm animals without being liable to compensate the dog's owner.
Walking around cattle or horses
Be aware and always keep your dog on a lead, but release immediately if chased by cattle or horses. Don't risk getting hurt by trying to protect it. Your dog will be much safer if you let it run away from a farm animal in these circumstances and so will you.
Be prepared as cattle can react to your presence so move quietly and predictably to avoid any alarm.
Be respectful if there are cattle present on or near the footpath. Give them space and re-join the route when safe to do so.
Walking around sheep
Always keep your dog on a short lead when walking in fields with sheep. Farm animals and wildlife can become stressed when a dog is around, even if the dog seems to pay them no attention, so it is important to keep your dog close and move through the area.
Other special rules
Special dog rules may apply in particular situations, so always look out for local signs. For example:
- dogs may be banned from certain areas that people use, or there may be restrictions, byelaws or control orders limiting where they can go
- the access rights that normally apply to open country and registered common land (known as 'open access' land) require dogs to be kept on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July, to help protect ground nesting birds, and all year-round near farm animals
- at the coast, there may also be some local restrictions to require dogs to be kept on a short lead during the bird breeding season, and to prevent disturbance to flocks of resting and feeding birds during other times of year
More dog walking tips and information
Read through our Dog Walking page for more ways to have a safe and fun walk with your four legged friend. There are also links for how to report any problems with dog behaviour and mess on paths, as well as where you can walk your dog on the East Riding coast.
Weather safety
There's nothing more British than talking about the weather! Two in five Brits turn to the weather as a conversation-starter when they need to get a chat going, with the average person spending the equivalent of more than six months of their life talking about the weather.
Storms and rain
Gales are the most common cause of damage and disruption in the UK. In the event of a storm Stay indoors as much as possible and if you are outside, avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects. Visit the Met Office for further details on how to keep safe in a thunderstorm.
Ice
Ice can form over the surface of garden ponds, lakes and even rivers during exceptionally cold periods. It can also form over road surfaces, cars, building and vegetation in the form of black ice, frost or snow. Visit the Met Office for more information on types of Ice.
General outdoor safety advice
Whether you are going on foot or riding, follow the 3 'P's before heading out and you'll safely explore the great outdoors.
Plan
Research your route before you set off. The internet is a fantastic source of information with many websites detailing pre-planned routes, including distances, terrain, difficulty and also, points of interest. Mobile apps and maps are great, but unfortunately internet connections aren't always reliable. Take a map with you, tell others where you are going and check the weather forecast!
Prepare
Be ready for anything the British countryside can throw at you. Take water, food, waterproof clothing and wear suitable footwear for the conditions. Remember, you can always take layers of clothing off in hot weather, but cannot put it on if you've left your best sweater in the wardrobe and it's freezing cold. In sunny conditions wear sunscreen and reapply regularly throughout the day.
Proceed
Enjoy yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your walk, especially in winter with shortened daylight hours. Be prepared to turn back if you get tired or are struggling with conditions, you can always come back another day.