North England - public access to military areas
Information about public access to military-owned land.
North England firing times
North West England bylaws
Yorkshire byelaws
North Yorkshire byelaws
Read about accessing the training estate safely
Catterick Training Area
Location
Catterick Training Area is located on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, south of the market town of Richmond.
Site description
The area’s military history dates from as far back as 1798. The land comprising the current Training Area was acquired between 1921 and 1985.
In conjunction with military training, Catterick Training Area is predominantly used for extensive livestock grazing, while the better in-bye land is farmed more intensively for hay, silage and arable crops. The Ranges also have numerous archaeological remains, including 36 scheduled ancient monuments.
The training area is the home of abundant wildlife including some rare species of plants and animals. There are 2 areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Access restrictions
When the ranges are used for live firing, red flags (day) or red lights (night) are displayed: access is prohibited.
Access opportunities
There are a number of public rights of way across Catterick Training Area, including a part of the coast-to-coast long distance route. The public must not leave the route of these public rights of way.
Further information
For further information contact the Regional Operations Room on 01912 394261 (24 hours a day). Read more at Catterick Training Area firing and activity forecast.
Holcombe Moor
Location
Holcombe Moor covers approximately 300 hectares of open moorland and woodland near Ramsbottom in Lancashire.
Access restrictions
When the ranges are used for live firing, red flags (day) or red lights (night) are displayed: access is prohibited.
Access opportunities
There is an extensive public rights of way network of footpaths and bridleways across the training area.
The public must not leave the route of these public rights of way.
Further information
For further details phone 01204 512615 or the Regional Operations Room 01912 394261 (24 hours a day).
Holcombe Moor firing times.
Holcombe Moor byelaws.
Otterburn
Location
Otterburn Training Area is situated in the Northumberland National Park, approximately 35 miles from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Site description
Otterburn Training Area consists of over 22,000 hectares of land and is the largest single live firing range in the UK. Some 30,000 soldiers use the area each year.
The training area covers 23% of the Northumberland National Park and consists of rolling uplands forming part of the Cheviot foothills.
Access restrictions
Access is restricted when the area is used for live firing.
When red flags (day) or red lights (night) are displayed: access is prohibited.
Access opportunities
There are no restrictions to public access on MOD land north of the River Coquet. This land is designated as open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The remainder of the training area is operated under military byelaws.
When not being used for live firing, there are unrivalled opportunities for cycling, riding, walking and climbing or just a drive in the car along the military roads.
Further information
For further information contact Otterburn Range Control on 01830 520569 or the Regional Operations Room 01912 394261 (24 hours a day).
Otterburn firing times.
Northumberland byelaws.
Warcop
Location
Warcop Training Area (WTA) is situated within the North Pennines National Landscape. It can be accessed from the A66, 5km east of Appleby and 2km west of Brough.
Site description
The area extends to around 9,700 hectares, with more than two-thirds forming part of the Appleby Fells Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The SSSI is known for its blanket bog; limestone pavements; calcareous grassland, and alpine and sub-alpine plants.
Access opportunities
WTA is a MOD live firing range complex and training area. The range complex, training area, and associated range danger area can be active for up to 6.5 days per week. The area is used by both regular and reserve UK Armed Forces units.
Access to public rights of way in the WTA and range danger area is permitted:
- every Sunday afternoon after 1pm
- on 12 scheduled public access weekends per year
- on 15 short-notice public access days, announced via the Warcop Training Area Access Information Service (below)
For further information on WTA live firing times, contact:
- Warcop Training Area Access Information Service: 0800 783 518
- DIO Regional Operations Room (open 24 hours): 01748 875503
Mickle Fell
Access to Mickle Fell is permitted on the scheduled public access weekends and short-notice public access days. You must have a permit to access Mickle Fell, which can be applied for:
- in writing, addressed to the Training Safety Officer, Warcop Training Area, Warcop, Appleby, Cumbria, CA16 6PA
- via email: WarcopAdmin@landmarc.mod.uk
Victor Fieldcraft
Victor Fieldcraft Training Area is outside the Warcop range danger area and is used for military training, including the use of blank ammunition and pyrotechnics. The area contains Murton Pike and Murton Fell, and is Open Access Land under the CROW Act 2000.
Last updated 2 May 2024 + show all updates
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Added 'WTA Mickle Fell access permit request proforma' and 'WTA Mickle Fell access permit procedures and safety brief'. Updated information about Warcop Training Area.
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First published.