No dogs allowed - to preserve the Bird Life

Q. Hi

Firstly congratulations on such an excellent site. I use it all the time.

My question arises from a problem I had while walking the route du110 Collier Law from Frosterley . As I reached the point 'East Whitely Burn go West' (section 2) I encountered a sign saying 'No dogs allowed to preserve the Bird Life' . This section of walk is on a Common and is a public right of way.

Can they stop me walking that section even if I had my dogs on leads?

Many thanks

Ronnie Wallace, Co Durham

A. I've checked the OS map and the route alongside E Whiteley Burn isn't a right of way.

The question arises, therefore as to whether or not its a restricted area under CROW (The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).

Y'see in certain areas, people with dogs (not the dog(!)) are excluded - although the sign usually is a dog with a line diagonally through it. Dogs are allowed on ROWs (Right of Ways) even though these may be through a restricted area - but CROW "recommends" that they are on a fixed lead between April and July.

According to the Countryside Agency map - this area now has a 5 year restriction to people with dogs.

An alternative route, on a public footpath (on which the restrictions don't apply) goes from the cottages at Weatherhill Engine, down Heathery Burn to the flourspar mine to rejoin the go4awalk route du110 Collier Law from Frosterley

This starts about 250 metres S of the du110 route. The footpath goes from the S side of the enclosures around the cottages (a pdf will be available shortly - ed.)

Alternatively, and, possibly better, walk N on the Waskerley Way (CtoC cafe at Fell Haven - hot chocolate and sausage sandwiches) - then NW on an old railway track (CtoC route) to Wilkinsons Cut - and then down Whiteley Rigg to join ROWs in Stanhope Burn. (a pdf will be available of this too shortly - ed.)

A person with a dog would be perfectly within their rights on either of these routes - although the pooch would need to be secured outside the cafe if visiting.

This is a really good cafe by the way - heavily used by cyclists on the CtoC and other routes. Good, cheap scoff.

Walkers on routes which don't follow rights of way need to check the Countryside Agency maps. There are potentially similar problems on Collier Law - but if there are no signs, it would be best to let the sleeping dog lie, as it were.

Just to be definitive:

CROW access areas (unrestricted) - Dogs allowed - on fixed lead between April and July - otherwise under control

CROW access areas with restrictions on people with dogs - Nobody with a dog allowed. Current restrictions are usually till 2010.

Rights of Way (even those crossing restricted areas) - Dogs allowed - recommended that these are on a fixed lead between April and July.

I cant see a definition of a fixed lead - my dog's lead is fixed if I press the button which fixes it, as far as I'm concerned.

Mike Knipe, Crook

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