The most important thing you need to know is that it DOES NOT give you the right to roam wherever you want to.

It is not yet in effect, and is being implemented area by area

The 'Lower North West' and 'South East' of England were the first affected areas, in September of 2004

England should be covered by the end of 2005, Wales only starts in 2005 and Scotland is not covered by the act

There will be a right of access to mountain, moor, heath, down and common land

Landowners can dedicate land not covered - for instance, woodland is not included

Some land is excluded - farmland, golf courses etc

There are no new rights for cyclists, riders, canoeists etc,

You should not light fires, damage plants or animals. If you do, you lose your right of access for 3 days and can be treated as a trespasser

Landowners can stop access for 28 days a year without notice