Updated: Updated the Pennally Traiining Camp section to include information about firing notices.
Overview
Location details, opportunities and restrictions for accessing military owned land in the United Kingdom.
It is important to read the information safety before accessing a military site. In addition further information on access restrictions can be found on the MOD byelaws page and the firing notices.
Locations in East England
Barton Road
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Barton Road, Southwest Cambridge, between Barton and Comberton.
Location
Southwest of Cambridge, between Barton and Comberton.
Site Description
This site is a small Rifle Range, in the undulating countryside of Cambridgeshire.
Access Opportunities
A small network of public rights of way, including the locally promoted Whitwell Way, (which is open at all times) connect the local villages across fields.
The training area is used for live firing. Red flags are flown during the day and red lamps are lit at night during firing periods at which time access is prohibited to the Range Danger Area.
Further Information from…
Contact the Commandant 01206 736149
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 154
(Cambridge, Newmarket & Surrounding Area)1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 209
(Cambridge, Royston, Duxford & Linton) 1:25,000
Beckingham training area
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Beckingham training area, East of Newark-on-Trent, near the villiage of Beckingham.
Location
East of Newark-on-Trent, near the village of Beckingham.
Site Description
An area of grassland lying in the floodplain of the River Witham where the waterlogged fields in winter and sympathetic management has resulted in a rich variety of wild plants. In addition to enjoying the plants you will also find a wide range of insects and some interesting birds. The site is adjacent to Stapleford Wood.
Access Opportunities
There is a network of public rights of way mainly in the western area of the site.
The Training Area is used for live firing. There is no access at any time to the live firing Danger Area.
Further Information from…
Live firing notices are issued to local parishes and the police.
For further information, contact the Range Office on 01636 626367.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 121
(Lincoln & Surrounding Area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 271
(Newark-on-Trent: Retford, Southwell & Saxilby) 1:25,000
Fingringhoe ranges
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Fingringhoe ranges, South of Colchester, in the Colne Estuary.
South of Colchester, in the Colne Estuary
Site Description
This is a remote area, south of Colchester, with much of the site below sea level, consisting of reclaimed wetland and marsh. The site extends out into the Colne Estuary, renowned as one of Essex’s prettiest estuaries, with attractive waterside communities and contrasting landscapes of woodland, fields and marshes.
The marshland area of Fingringhoe Ranges is part of the Colne Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is also designated a Ramsar site and a Special Protection Area (SPA). There is a Nature Reserve to the north east of the site.
Access Opportunities
A public right of way follows the northern and western boundaries of the site.
The training area is used for live firing. There is no access to the Range Danger Area.
Further Information from…
Contact the commandant on 01206 736149.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 168
(Colchester & The Blackwater Area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 184
(Colchester) 1:25,000
Middlewick ranges & Friday Woods training area
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Middlewick ranges & Friday Woods training area on the southern perimeter of Colchester.
Location
On the southern perimeter of Colchester.
Site Description
Colchester is a large garrison town. Middlewick Ranges and Friday Woods Training Area are to the south of the town and include both live firing Ranges and areas used for dry training, not involving live firing.
The areas are a mixture of woodland, arable cropping and grassland, incorporating Donyland Woods. Some of the land is designated as part of the Roman River Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Access Opportunities
Public rights of way, including footpaths and bridleways, run through parts of the Ranges and Training Area.
The Range area is used for live firing. Red flags are flown during day and red lamps are lit at night during live firing periods during which time access is prohibited to the live firing Range Danger Area.
The Friday Woods Dry Training Area is a very popular area for local dog walkers. Please see “Related pages/documents” on the right for details of a walk around Friday Woods.
Further Information from…
Contact the Commandant on 01206 736149.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 168
(Colchester & The Blackwater Area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 184
(Colchester) 1:25,000
Watton Brook
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Watton Brook, Norfolk.
Location
Site Description
Stanford training area consists of almost 11000 hectares of heath, woodland and farmland used for a wide range of army training activities, including live firing.
Access Opportunities
For a walk along a brook, through a meadow and a small willow Carr please see “Related pages/documents” for details around Watton Brook.
Access is not allowed when the red flags situated at each end of the walk are flying. It is therefore advisable to check the access times with the Range Control prior to a visit to the area.
Further Information from…
For information on access times call 01842 855235 (Manned 0800am -1600 Monday - Friday, excluding public holidays
OS Map Reference
OS Landranger Sheet 144 (1: 50 000)
OS Exporer Sheet 229 and 236 (1:25000)
Location in the Midlands
Kingsbury Ranges
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Kingsbury Ranges in North Warwickshire.
Location
In North Warwickshire, 4 miles south of Tamworth, near the villages of Piccadilly, Kingsbury and Wood End.
Site Description
The landscape of the Rifle Ranges at Kingsbury is gently undulating, with areas of grassed over spoil heaps, a relict of historic coal mining activity, and Kingsbury Wood, a broad leaved/mixed woodland which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Access Opportunities
There are two footpaths in the south east of the area, and the area north of the tramway contains two other public footpaths. These are outside the Range Danger Area and are accessible at all times.
When the Ranges are used for live firing, red flags are flown.
Further Information from…
Live firing notices are issued to local police stations, post offices and residents who wish to be informed.
For further information on live firing times contact the booking cell during office hours on Tel: 01785 763159 or 01785 763132.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 139
(Birmingham & Surrounding Area) 1:50,000
OS Landranger Sheet 140
(Leicester & Coventry Area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 232
(Nuneaton & Tamworth) 1:25,000
Leek and Upper Hulme
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Leek and Upper Hulme in North Staffordshire.
Location
In north Staffordshire, 5 miles ( 8km) north of Leek, to the east of to the main A53 Leek to Buxton Road.
Site Description
Leek and Upper Hulme Training Area is an upland area, comprising heather moorland and upland pasture on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park (part of the land is leased on a long term basis from the National Park Authority).
The overall aspect is of an open and windswept moor, providing an area of rugged wilderness. Much of the estate is within the Leek Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The bird life of Leek has been given European protection under the South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area. It also contains two Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Access Opportunities
There are about 12 km of public rights of way across the Training Area. The majority are footpaths with one bridleway and one concessionary bridleway across the south eastern extremity of the area. These are accessible at all times. In addition, some managed area access is available in those areas delineated by the managed access symbol on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps.
Walkers are however reminded that this is a military training area and they are asked not to interrupt soldiers training. There is no entry into the Military Danger Area marked with a series of red
arrows on Ordnance Survey maps.
Access Restrictions
Leek & Upper Hulme Training Area is covered by local Military Byelaws. Area access, where permitted, is managed under the terms of these Byelaws, which are displayed at the Training Area.
Further Information from…
For further information on live firing times contact the booking cell during office hours on Tel: 01785 763159 or 01785 763132.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 118 (1:50,000)
OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 24 (1:25,000)
Nesscliff training area
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Nesscliff training area in Shropshire.
Location
In Shropshire, immediately west of the A5 trunk road, 9 miles north west of Shrewsbury. The training area is situated near the villages of Nesscliffe and Pentre from which it is clearly signed.
Site Description
Nesscliff Training Area was originally constructed during World War 2 as a Central Ammunition Depot (CAD). It continued in operation until 1959, after which it became an Army Training Area. Today it comprises of some 1717 acres of flat pastureland situated on the western end of the North Shropshire Plain. There are a large number of former ammunition storage buildings extant and the remains of two former military camps, all of which are used for training purposes. The Nesscliiff Training Camp pictured above provides accommodation for up to 530 personnel.
There is a wood in the southern part of the training area, which lies on the training area boundary with the River Severn and is known as the Burning Ground. It takes its name from the decommissioning of ammunition which took place there during the life of the CAD. Today it is fenced, signed and Out of Bounds to everyone for Health and Safety reasons.
Bordered to the south by the River Severn, the landscape of the Training Area is a classic English countryside, consisting of grazing meadows, hedgerows, ditches, ancient woodlands and a large number of grazing livestock. In the northern part of the area there are the remains of a Motte & Bailey Castle known as Belan Bank.
Access Opportunities
There is no general public right of access across the training area. However, a number of public footpaths cross the northern part of the training area. These are accessible at all times (see below). The Severn Way passes through the section of non-MOD Land that separates the two parts of Nesscliff Training Area.
The training area is primarily used for dry training (i.e. no live firing), however there are biannual exercises held which involve the firing of battle simulation charges. During such exercises access over the public footpaths is controlled.
Further Information from…
Further information on access is available from 01743 741607.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 126
(Shrewsbury & Oswestry 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 240
(Oswestry, Chirk, Ellesmere & Pant) 1:25,000
Whittington
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Whittington in Staffordshire.
Location
In Staffordshire, 1 mile east of Lichfield near to Whittington Barracks.
Site Description
The area consists of Rifle Ranges, and mixed broad leaved woodland which extends eastwards to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and the River Tame.
Access Opportunities
Four lengths of bridleway cross the Ranges, including the wood. Red flags are flown during live firing periods at which time access is prohibited to the three bridleways within the wood.
One of the key entry points to the woodland is off the A51, where there is ample car parking and a bus stop.
Live firing notices are issued to the local police stations, post offices and residents who wish to be informed.
Further Information from…
For further information on live firing times contact the booking cell on 01785 763159.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 139
(Birmingham & Surrounding Area) 1:50,000
OS Landranger Sheet 140
(Leicester & Coventry Area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer 232
(Nuneaton & Tamworth) 1:25,000
Locations in the North of England
Catterick training area
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for the Catterick training area located on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
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. Later, General Lord Baden-Powell, based in Richmond from 1908 to 1910, was tasked by the War Office to establish a military Training Area in the north of England, and he chose Catterick. Its status as a permanent Training Centre was secured in 1921 and a period of intensive building followed. 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 wild life including some rare species of plants and animals. There are two areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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.
A walk on the Catterick Training Area is detailed in the “Related pages/documents” link on the right.
Most of the walk is within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and is on the edge of a Live Firing Range. Access is permitted at all times, including when the red flags are flying as the route stays outside the danger area. Walkers must not leave the route of the public right of way and must follow the safety instructions on site.
Further Information from…
For further information about activity on the Training Area, contact The Range Officer Tel: 01748 875502/875507. Outside normal hours, contact the guardhouse Tel: 01748 875542.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 98
(Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale) 1:50,000
OS Landranger Sheet 99
(Northallerton & Ripon) 1:50,000
OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 30
(Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Areas) 1:25,000
Holcombe Moor
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for the Catterick training area located on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
Location
Holcombe Moor covers approximately 300 hectares of open moorland and woodland near Ramsbottom in Lancashire.
There is an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways across the training area.
The public has access across Holcombe Moor for the majority of the time, with restrictions only in place during periods of live firing. National Trust land surrounding the training area is an urban common to which there is a right of access on foot and on horseback.
Further details
For further details Tel: 01204 882991.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Map Sheet 109.
Manchester. Bolton and Warrington.
Otterburn
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Otterburn training area in the Northumberland National Park.
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 22000 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 National Park and consists of rolling uplands forming part of the Cheviot foothills.
Otterburn Training Area has many varied points of interest relating to its historic social land use such as Whiskey Stills and Bastle Houses. The Roman Fortlet at Chew Green and associated marching camps along Dere Street provide visitors with great opportunities to experience the struggles that were once so common in this part of Northumberland.
Upland hay meadows at Barrowburn run alongside the River Coquet. They are at their best in July.
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, and access is restricted when the area is used for live firing. However, when it is 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.
When planning a visit to the Otterburn Ranges please check the calendar of firing times published by the Northumberland National Park Authority.
Information Packs relating to public access are available from National Park Visitor Information Points or can be requested from Otterburn Training Area. One walk can be seen on the related link on the right of the page. There is also a dedicated website for the Otterburn Area which can be accessed using the related link to the right.
Otterburn
Safety
Otterburn Training Area is used for live firing. Red flags are flown/red lamps are lit during live firing periods. At these times access is restricted. Please observe any warning signs you come across.
Further Information from…
For further information relating to public access and live firing times contact Otterburn Range Control on 01830 520569 or look at the Otterburn Ranges Website - link on right hand side of page.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 80
(Cheviot Hills & Kielder Forest Area) 1:50,000
OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 16
(The Cheviot Hills) 1:25,000
Warcop
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for the Warcop Training Area (WTA) within the North Pennines.
Location
Warcop Training Area (WTA) is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is easily accessed from the A66, 5km east of Appleby and 2km west of Brough.
Site Description
Warcop Training Area (WTA) extends to some 9700 hectares and over two thirds of this area forms 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.
This area also forms part of the North Pennine Moors Special Protection Area, and Moorhouse and Upper Teesdale Special Area of Conservation which are internationally recognised designations. The site has 16 scheduled ancient monuments ranging from Neolithic burial mounds to medieval villages and a wide range of wildlife including red squirrel, great crested newt, black grouse, and the geyer’s whorl snail.
Over the past few years, considerable time, effort and resources have been directed at developing the natural habitat on WTA, with particular emphasis being given to the management of SSSI and habitat improvements for rare species. The work undertaken on Warcop has recently been recognised by English Nature who has awarded the WTA management team with the prestigious “SSSI Award” for its management of the Appleby Fells and Helbeck SSSIs.
Access Opportunities
Warcop Training Area is a live MOD range which is used six and a half days a week predominately by the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick. It is also used by various other regular and Territorial Army units of the British Army. Access opportunities on the Training Area, can be summarised as:
Access to public rights of way in the Danger Area every Sunday afternoon after 1pm
Access to public rights of way in the Danger Area for 12 weekends a year. These are detailed in the related link on access times on the right hand side of the page
Access to WTA through a range of guided walks (contact Clare Hetherington on 017683 43227 for further information)
Access to public rights of way in the Danger Area on at least 15 short notice days. Due to their very nature, these dates can not be published very far in advance. However the Warcop freephone access answer machine (0800 7835181) does hold details of the firing programme 7 days in advance and is updated daily
Access to Mickle Fell is available (subject to training, high fire risk etc) on a permit system only. Applications should be sent to the Range Officer, Warcop Training Area, Warcop, Appleby, Cumbria, CA16 6PA
Access to Area Victor (including Murton Pike and Murton Fell) under the CROW Act 2000
Further Information
Live firing notices are issued to the local libraries and youth hostels and are published in the local paper. For further information on live firing times contact Tel: 0800 783 5181.
OS Map References
OS Landranger sheet 19:
Howgill Fells & Upper Eden Valley
Scotland
Barry Buddon
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Barry Buddon training area on the Tay Estuary between Carnoustie and Monifieth.
Location
Barry Buddon Training Area covers 930 hectares of coastal plain on the Tay Estuary between Carnoustie and Monifieth.
Site Description
The site has a number of firing ranges for small arms training, and areas used for dry training (non-live firing).
A vast array of wildlife can be seen on Barry Buddon. Most of the training area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an EU Special Area of Conservation (SAC), as well as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its bird populations.
The area provides a haven for wintering waders such as bar-tailed godwit, sanderling and eider duck whilst the plentiful sea buckthorn berries provide food for fieldfares and redwings. In summer months, abundant skylarks, meadow pipits, linnets and stonechats use the dunes as shelter or nest sites.
Access opportunities
The Ranges and Danger Areas are closed to the public during periods of live firing.
When firing is not taking place the public can access the training area’s metalled roads on foot, horseback and bicycle. You can also walk along the beaches when the flags are down and red lights extinguished. Further access to the area is not possible because of an unexploded ordnance risk.
Further information
Further information and training times can be obtained by Tel: 01382 533025
O.S. Map References
O.S. Landranger Map Sheet 54
Dundee & Montrose. Forfar & Arbroath
O.S. Explorer Map Sheet 382
Arbroath, Montrose & Carnoustie. Laurencekirk
Cape Wrath Training Area
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Cape Wrath Training Area, near Durness, Northwest Scotland.
Location
Cape Wrath Training Area is located at the far North West corner of the UK Mainland approximately 120 miles from Inverness.
Site Description
Cape Wrath Training Area provides opportunities for a wide variety of field fire and dry training exercises across 25,000 acres of severe and isolated upland moorland.
It is the only Range in Europe where Land, Sea and Air training activities can be conducted simultaneously and where the Royal Air Force can train using live 1000lb bombs.
The Range forms part of an area that is often referred to as “the last great wilderness”, due to its remoteness.
Cape Wrath Training Area is home to a wide range of wildlife, and various parts of the Training Area have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), an EU Special Area of Conservation (SAC), as well as a Special Protection Area (SPA).
Access opportunities
There are two main ways of taking access to Cape Wrath Training Area.
The main access to the range area is via the passenger ferry across the Kyle of Durness from Keoldale. This ferry runs sporadically from May to September. The frequency of the service is dependant on the state of the tide and weather conditions. Two hours either side of low tide the service may stop altogether. The ferry may operate outside these months by prior arrangement.
On the Cape side of the Kyle a minibus service operates between the ferry landing point and the Cape Wrath lighthouse along the public road. This service is privately operated and excursions from the ferry to the lighthouse and back take approximately 2 ½ hours. The public road across the Cape runs for approximately 12 miles thus the majority of people accessing the lighthouse via the ferry make use of this service at least one way. 10 miles of the road are within the Cape Wrath Training Area. The public road is closed during live firing periods. The ferry and minibus service are also curtailed during these periods.
The other main way to access Cape Wrath is to walk from Blairmore, in the south, via the Sandwood estate owned by John Muir Trust, to Cape Wrath Lighthouse. Much of this route is unmarked, over rough and open moorland, and is not recommended for inexperienced walkers. Walkers are also advised to check firing times before setting off on this route, as should firing be taking place then red flags and lamps will be displayed at the Range boundary and access will not be permitted. This route forms the final section of the Cape Wrath Trail, a long distance route from Fort William of just under 200 miles.
Further Information
Details of the ferry and minibus services can be found at the Cape Wrath website (see “Related Links” – this website is not an MOD website)
Cape Wrath
Further information on the Cape Wrath Trail can be found at the Cape Wrath Trail website (see “Related Links”)
Cape Wrath rail
For information on firing times at Cape Wrath Training Area, please contact Range Control at Faraid Head.
Tel: 01971 511242 or Out of Hours 0800 833300
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 9
(Cape Wrath) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 466
(Durness & Cape Wrath) 1:25,000
Castlelaw Training Area and Ranges
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for the Castlelaw/Dreghorn training area, south of Edinburgh.
Location
The Castlelaw/Dreghorn Training Area lies immediately south of Edinburgh and is part of the Pentland Hills Regional Park.
Site Description
Castlelaw rises steeply from the valley to the northern tops of the pentland hills at about 500m. The highpoints of the Training Area give stunning views across the city, the Firth of Forth and on a clear day the highlands beyond. The area is home to some rare habitats and wildlife including small numbers of black grouse.
Although military training is the primary land use, the estate is also used for agriculture, principally sheep grazing.
Access opportunities
The Training Area lies within the Pentland Hills Regional Park and as such there are numerous tracks and undefined footpaths for walkers. The area is popular with locals and visitors to Edinburgh.
Live firing is restricted to the Live Firing Range at Castlelaw. Red flags (daytime) and red lamps (night-time) are used when firing is taking place. The public are not allowed into the Danger Area. The Firing Range is clearly demarcated by a fence.
Horse riding is now allowed on specified routes across the training area. These routes have been agreed with the British Horse Society (Scotland) and the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The routes allow riders to explore this area whilst minimising any conflict between horses and troop activity.
Please remember that dry training (Blank firing, smoke and pyrotechnics) will still occur in the training area so riders must expect sudden movement and noises. It is advised that riders wear fluorescent clothing to make themselves more visible to soldiers.
Details of a circular walk across the Pentland Hills can be found under “Related pages/documents”.
* Pentland Hills: Catslaw
Further information
Further details of the riding routes can be found on the Pentland Hills Regional Park website (see Related links”) or by Tel: 0131 445 3383.
Pentland hills
For further information on firing times contact the Castlelaw Training Area. Tel: 0131 310 4943.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 66
(Edinburgh & Midlothian Area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 344
(Pentland Hills, Penicuik & West Linton) 1;25,000
Kirkcudbright Training Centre
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Kirkcudbright Training Centre on the northern coast of the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway.
Location
Kirkcudbright Training Centre, on the northern coastline of the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway occupies an exposed headland 5 km south of the town of Kirkcudbright.
Site Description
Kirkcudbright Training Centre provides opportunities for a wide variety of field fire and dry training exercises across 4,700 acres (1,900 hectares) of farmland.
The range has many rare plants including populations of Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea and Cowslips. The only known county records of six plants including Yellow Horned Poppy, Yellow Vetch and Pyramidal Orchids are from the range. Most of the rare plants flourish on the untrodden coastline and cliff face.
Access opportunities
There is a danger from unexploded ordnance lying close to the surface of the ground in some parts of the range, and as a result, access is only permitted on four defined and waymarked routes which are located on hard surfaced paths and roads through safe parts of the training area. These routes can only be used when the training area is not active and red flags are not flying/lamps are not lit. Horse Riders are warned when using these routes that the area is used extensively, by both fast jets and helicopters, for low flying exercises. High visibility clothing should be worn by riders. Please see safety pages for more information.
The main linear Access path runs from West to East across the range area. It starts at Torrs Point, where the Dumfries & Galloway waymarked public footpath from Kirkcudbright stops at the Range boundary gate. The path is then marked by Dumfries & Galloway waymarker posts throughout its six and a half mile length to Abbey Burn Foot. Horse riders are advised to transit from Abbey Burn Foot, at the East end of the footpath, where there is an equestrian entry gate and parking for horse boxes.
There are also three shorter, circular routes on the training area.
Townhead Loop: This circular walk starts near Balmae on the Western side of the training area and is approximately four and a half miles long.
Howwell Loop: This circular walk also starts near Balmae and is approximately three and a quarter miles long
Netherlaw Loop: This short circular walk takes in Netherlaw Glen at the Eastern side of the training area and is approximately 1 mile long
See “Related pages/documents” for the Kirkcudbright Public Access Routes information leaflet.
Further information
Further information can be gained from Tel: 0141 224 8501 (Range Officer) or 0141 224 8502 (Guard House).
OS Map References
Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas, Gatehouse of Fleet
OS Explorer Map, Sheet 312
Newton Stewart and Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse of Fleet
OS Landranger Map, Sheet 83
Locations in South East England
Aldershot and Minley training areas
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Aldershot and Minley training areas in Hampshire.
Location
Aldershot and Minley Training Areas are located to the west of Aldershot and north west of Farnborough in Hampshire.
Site Description
The two Training Areas cover an area of approximately 2000 hectares of lowland heathland habitat which supports a wide range of associated fauna and flora. They are made up of a diverse mosaic of heathland, conifer woodland, areas of mature and semi-mature broadleaved woodland, mire, scrub, acid grassland and grass meadows, particularly in the Minley area.
The majority of the areas are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and form part of the European designated Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.
The majority of the area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Access Opportunities
Public access is permitted along all public rights of way within both training areas at all times. Open access on foot is allowed in areas within the managed access symbol on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. This access is subject to the terms and conditions of the Aldershot and District Military Byelaws, which are displayed at the principal access points onto the training areas. Do not interrupt any military training activities and please observe the conditions of the Byelaws all times.
There are parking areas and lay-bys on the periphery of the training areas for use by the public and the military. Please do not obstruct vehicular access onto the training areas.
Military Use
The training areas are used for dry training exercises only. Dry training does not involve the use of live ammunition, but it may include the use of pyrotechnics, blank ammunition and other battle simulators such as smoke grenades and thunder flashes. Be prepared for sudden noises!
Further Information……..
For further information on access please contact the Defence Training Estate Training Area Officer on 01483 798357.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 186 (1:50,000)
OS Explorer Sheet 145 (1:25,000)
Ash and Pirbright Range Danger Areas
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Ash and Pirbright Range Danger Areas, east and north-east of Aldershot and Farnborough.
Location
Ash and Pirbright range danger areas are found to the east and north-east of Aldershot and Farnborough.
Site Description
The range danger areas cover 2000 hectares, made up of a mixture of lowland heathland, conifer and broad-leaved woodland, mire, scrub and acid grassland supporting a wide range of fauna and flora.
The majority of the area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the European designated Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.
Military Use
Both range danger areas are used for live firing exercises and training.
Ash and Pirbright Range Danger Areas
Access Opportunities
The range danger areas are depicted on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps by a closed red triangle defining them as danger areas. Ash and Pirbright range danger areas however differ in one fundamental way.
Pirbright range danger area is closed at all times with no permitted access, due to unexploded ordnance risk.
Ash range danger area is closed only when the red flags or red lamps are displayed.
At all other times Ash range danger area is open to the public for access on foot. Access is subject to the terms and conditions of the Aldershot and District Military Byelaws, which are displayed at all major access points onto the danger area.
For further information on access to the range danger area at Ash please contact the senior range officer on 01252 325233.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 186
(Aldershot, Guildford & surrounding area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 145
(Guildford & Farnham) 1:25,000
East Kent dry training area
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for the East Kent dry training area inland from Hythe and Dover.
Location
East Kent, inland from Hythe and Dover.
Site Description
East Kent Dry Training Area extends in small blocks in an arc between Hythe and Dover, extending a few miles inland. The area around Dover is steeped in military history and the majority of the rolling rural landscape is within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Access Opportunities
There are over 36 km of footpaths and bridleways crossing the Training Area over farmland and through woodland. Routes of interest include the North Downs Way, Saxon Shore Way, Pilgrim’s Way and Elham Valley Way.
A walk in Reinden Wood, near Hawkinge, developed in conjunction with White Cliffs Countryside Project, is illustrated. See “Related pages\documents” on the right hand side of this page.
*Reinden Wood
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 189
(Ashford & Romney Marsh) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 138
(Dover, Folkestone & Hythe) 1:25,000
Hankley and Elstead Commons
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Hankley and Elstead Commons which is situated on the boundary of Surrey and Hampshire
Location
Hankley & Elstead Commons are located on the Longmoor Training Area which is situated on the boundary of Surrey and Hampshire between the towns of Bordon, Liphook, Farnham and Guildford.
Site Description
The Commons represent some of the finest remaining heathland in Southern England and are nationally important for their bird, reptile and invertebrate populations. Elstead, Ockley and Royal Commons are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. The commons are covered with heather, bracken and woodlands of birch and Scots Pine.
In 1996, the whole of the training area was given a ‘Forest of Excellence’ award by the Forest Commission, which reflects the exceptional management of the landscape, wildlife conservation, timber production and public access in the area. The training area is used for logistics and minor infantry manoeuvre exercises.
Heather, bracken and woodlands of birch and Scots Pine on the commons
Access Opportunities
Public access is permitted along public rights of way across both Commons at all times. This includes two walks across the open heathland of Elstead and Royal Commons. In addition open access on foot is available in those areas delineated by the managed access symbol on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. When walking in the training area you are requested not to interrupt military training and to observe the Byelaws.
There are parking areas at The Moat on Elstead Common, at the entrance to Royal Common and at Hankley Common. See “Related pages/documents” on the right hand side of this page for a map of the walk.
Elstead Common
General Safety
Please do not approach or pick up any metal objects
Please note that no camping or fires are allowed
Keep to the designated path. Where there are boardwalks these must be used and walkers must not walk on the surrounding ground
Please keep dogs under proper control
The pond on Royal Common is strictly out of bounds
Some sections of the promoted routes may be boggy and very wet and might be impassable during certain seasons of the year. Slight deviations from the route may be necessary
For Further Information ……
For further information on access to the Commons telephone 01420 483375.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 186 (1:50,000)
OS Explorer Sheet 145 (1:25,000)
Hythe ranges
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Hythe Ranges on the edge of the town of Hythe in Kent.
Location
6 miles west of Folkestone, on the edge of the town of Hythe, off the A259 Hythe-Dymchurch-Hastings road.
Site Description
An area of low lying, slightly undulating land adjoining the foreshore. Hythe Ranges is one of the oldest ranges in the country and has been used for live firing for nearly 200 years. The whole area is steeped in military history. There are two Martello Towers on Hythe Ranges, and a “Grand Redoubt” fortification at Dymchurch. These were built in the early 1800s to resist potential invasion by Napoleon.
Access Opportunities
Access is available along the foreshore and the sea wall during periods of non-firing.
Hythe Ranges are used for live firing with a Danger Area extending out to sea. Red flags are flown during live firing periods. During this time access is prohibited along the foreshore and see wall. A notice indicating live firing times is displayed at the entrance to the Ranges and on other boards on the security fence at either end of the range complex.
Further Information from…
For further information on live firing times, contact 01303 225879 (office hours) or 01303 225861 (out of hours).
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 189
(Ashford & Romney Marsh) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 138
(Dover, Folkestone & Hythe) 1:25,000
Longmoor range and training areas
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Longmoor range and training areas in Hampshire.
Location
Longmoor Range and Training Areas are located to the west of Liphook in Hampshire. The town of Bordon lies immediately to the north and the village of Greatham to the west.
Site Description
These Range and Training Areas cover approximately 1800 hectares on primarily lowland heathland habitat, made up of a mosaic of heathland, conifer and broad-leaved woodland, mire, scrub and acid grassland supporting a wide range of associated fauna and flora. The majority of the area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the European designated Wealden Heaths Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. The A3 London to Portsmouth Road runs through the middle of this area.
Military Use
The Training Areas outside the Range Danger Area are used for dry training exercises only. Dry training does not involve the use of live ammunition, but it may include the use of pyrotechnics, blank ammunition and other battle simulators. Be prepared for sudden noises!
Longmoor Range Danger Area is used for live firing all year round when red flags or lights are displayed. At all other times (when red flags or lights are not displayed), the Range Danger Area is open to the public as is the Dry Training Areas.
Access Opportunities
Public access is permitted along public rights of way within the Dry Training Areas at all times. In addition area access on foot is available in those areas delineated with the managed access symbol on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. The Range Danger Area is delineated on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps by closed red triangles. Access is only permitted when the red flags or lamps are not displayed around the perimeter of the area.
Access is subject to the Aldershot and District Military Byelaws, which are displayed at all major access points onto the training areas. When accessing the Training Areas the public are requested not to interrupt any military training activities and to observe the byelaws at all times.
General Safety
Please do not attempt to pick up any unknown metal objects
Please note that camping or fires are not allowed
Please keep dogs under proper control
For Further Information ……
For further information on access please contact the Defence Training Estate Training Area officer on 01420 483375.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 186 (1:50,000)
OS Explorer Sheet 133 (1:25,000)
Lydd ranges
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Lydd ranges west of Hythe and south of Ashford in Kent.
Location
Situated 13 miles west of Hythe and 15 miles south of Ashford.
Site Description
Lydd Ranges are situated on the reclaimed land of the historic Romney Marsh and part of the cuspate foreland at Dungeness, estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. The habitats are of international importance and are part of the Dungeness Special Area of Conservation. The ranges have been used for military training for over 150 years.
Access Opportunities
Lydd Ranges are used for live firing with a Danger Area extending out to sea. Red flags are flown in periods of live firing during which access is prohibited along the foreshore and Galloway’s Road. When there is no live firing access is possible along a permissive path that runs along the coast.
Further Information from…
For further information on live firing times, contact 01303 225518 (office hours) or 01303 225467 (out of hours).
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 189
(Ashford & Romney Marsh) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 125
(Romney Marsh - Rye & Winchelsea, Tenterden & New Romney) 1:25,000
Mereworth Woods
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Mereworth Woods in Kent.
Location
South west of Maidstone.
Site Description
Mereworth Woods is a small area of very rural Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. It is part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, lies within a Special Landscape Area and is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.
Mereworth Dry Training Area is just over 300 acres, mainly mixed broadleaf woodland and some conifer plantations. There is a small area of acid heath, (rare in Kent) and an abundance of wildlife including reptiles and small mammals. The area is used heavily at weekends and regularly during the week by small units with no heavy armour or live firing permitted. Blank firing and limited pyrotechnics are used and there is a helicopter landing site that is used occasionally.
Access Opportunities
There is a footpath and bridleway running through the Training Area. The bridleway connects up with a popular local route across the busy B2016.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 188
(Maidstone - The Weald of Kent) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 148
(Maidstone & The Medway Towns) 1:25,000
Thorney Island
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Thorney Island on the south coast, between Chichester and Portsmouth.
Location
On the south coast, between Chichester and Portsmouth.
Site Description
Thorney Island was first used by the Royal Air Force in 1935 and was a fighter station and base for Coastal Command during the Second World War. In 1984, it was taken over by the Army and it is now the home base for an Artillery Regiment.
However, to call Thorney Island an island is now rather an anachronism for it has been joined to the mainland for some 125 years after the reclamation of 72 hectares of tidal mudflats in 1870. The island area comprises a mixture of open grassland (displaying a colourful variety of meadow plants in season) and reed beds. This variety of habitat, in conjunction with the surrounding wetlands, makes Thorney Island one of the best MOD sites for ornithology, with species including brent geese, oystercatchers, lapwings, curlews, skylarks and shelduck. Pilsey Island, to the south of Thorney Island, is an RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve.
Access Opportunities
A circular walk, following the foreshore around Thorney Island, that lies within part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is an important area for ornithology, is featured in the attached link on the right hand side of page under “Related pages/documents”.
Thorney Island
Further Information from…
For information on access to Thorney Island Perimeter Path Tel: 01243 388275/ 388269.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 197
(Chichester & The Downs) 1:50,000
Locations in South West England
Antony training area & Tregantle ranges
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Antony training area & Tregantle ranges in South East Cornwall.
Location
Antony Training Area is situated in South East Cornwall, to the west of Plymouth.
Site Description
Owned freehold by the MOD, the area stretches from the sandy beaches of Whitsand Bay in the south across 350 hectares of rolling pasture to the mud estuary of the River Lynher. The conservation interests of the coastal fringes are recognised by designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Antony Training Area is used by members of all three services (Army, Navy and RAF) and their cadet organisations and their use is administered by Headquarters Defence Training Estate South West.
Within the training area there are two forts, Tregantle and Scraesdon, both Scheduled Ancient Monuments which were built in the 1850’s as part of a ‘ring of fire’ to protect the naval port of Plymouth. Created out of dressed granite and limestone, Tregantle Fort stands high on the Cornish coastline.
It provides accommodation for visiting units who may be using the adjoining firing ranges, other parts of the training area, or may be exercising elsewhere in Cornwall or Devon. Scraesdon Fort is used for many types of military training and its labyrinth of rooms and passages are ideal for training soldiers to operate within a built environment.
Access Opportunities
When the Ranges to the south of Tregantle Fort are not being used for live firing, the MOD owned beach is open for public use. Access is by the permissive path, which runs to the beach from the car park alongside the highway. For public safety reasons, the path is closed when the Ranges are in use and the red flags are flying (or red lamps lit at night).
The South West Coastal Path, a National Trail from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point in Poole, runs through the Training Area alongside the B3247 so that access is not interrupted by the use of the Firing Ranges.
Lying alongside the Lynher River, Wacker Quay is leased to the local council who have developed a public picnic site. Wacker Quay was once used to dock barges delivering stores to Scraesdon and Tregantle Forts. After being unloaded from the barge, the stores would have been transported by railway to the Forts.
Further Information from…
Live firing notices are issued to the local parish councils, Harbour Masters, Post Offices, coastguards, and published in two newspapers, The Cornish Times and The Western Morning News.
For further information on live firing times, contact 01752 822516.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Map Sheet 201 (Plymouth & Launceston Area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet 108 (Lower Tamar Valley & Plymouth) 1:25,000
Dartmoor
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Dartmoor, West Devon, south of Okehampton.
Location
West Devon, south of Okehampton.
Site Description
Dartmoor is an area where the wildness of remote moorland remains undiminished. The landscape is dotted with many dramatic granite tors and other geological features. The climate of Dartmoor is dominated by south westerly winds, which are cool and wet, with the high moorlands of the north west being more susceptible to severe climatic conditions.
There are many prime examples of archaeological features, which record the history of man’s use of the moor, spanning time from Bronze Age burial mounds through medieval field systems to tin working remains and military structures. Farming remains the principal land use. Commoners grazing sheep, cattle and ponies continue to contribute to Dartmoor’s outstanding landscape.
Military training has taken place on Dartmoor since the early 1800s. It was used intensively for tactical exercises with live ammunition by the allies during the Second World War. Today the MOD uses (by freehold, lease or licence) about 12,760 hectares of the National Park’s 94,400 hectares. The Dartmoor Training Area is used for light forces’ exercises, mostly for Royal Marines and other units based in the south west.
Access Opportunities
Dartmoor offers endless opportunities. You can wander or ride freely across expanses of unenclosed moorland, often accessed by public rights of way through enclosed farmland. Please note that land over which MOD byelaws apply is excluded from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Consequently the Range Danger Areas are not depicted as public access land on Ordnance Survey maps.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority organises an extensive and varied programme of guided walks throughout the year. A large proportion of the guided walk starting points are accessible by public transport and walks are free if you show your valid local public transport travel ticket to the guide.
Parts of three Training Areas are used for live firing: Okehampton, Merrivale and Willsworthy. When this land is not in use for live firing, it is used for dry training with blank ammunition and although the noise of training may be heard, no restrictions are placed on the public roaming over the open moor. Firing times need to be checked and warning signals heeded when wishing to walk within these Ranges. To assist public access, the guaranteed non live firing periods are shown on the Dartmoor Training Area website in Related links.
Dartmoor Training Area
Further Information
For your own safety please observe the safety information which is given on the Firing Notice page and is available in the Military and Dartmoor Information for Walkers and Riders booklet.
Military byelaws prohibit access to Range Danger Areas when live firing is programmed. They also prohibit digging and interference with military items.
Firing times are notified in the local press on the preceding Friday. Notices are displayed in neighbouring police stations, information centres, libraries and most public houses and camp sites. Information is also available on Freephone 0800 4584868, and on the website (see Related pages). Updated information is broadcast daily every morning on BBC Radio Devon.
A leaflet describing military use of Dartmoor in more detail is downloadable or is available from the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Information Centres Tel. 01822 890414 or the Commandant Dartmoor Training Area Tel. 01837 650010. Further information on the military interest in Dartmoor is available from the Commandant Dartmoor Training Area, Okehampton Camp, Okehampton EX20 1QP Tel 01837 650010.
Information on Dartmoor is available from the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitors Centre in Princetown and Information Centres, Tel 01822 890414.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 191 (Okehampton & Dartmoor) 1:50,000
OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 28 (Dartmoor) 1:25,000
Lulworth ranges
Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for the Lulworth ranges on the south coast, between Weymouth and Poole.
Location
On the south coast, between Weymouth and Poole.
Site Description
The Lulworth Range comprises more than 2,830 hectares. The Range is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Amongst the grasslands abutting the walks lies a multitude of wild flowers including Cowslip, Milkwort, Scabious and Wild Parsnip. In the summer months, a chorus of grasshoppers and crickets can be heard and the whole area abounds with a variety of flora and fauna.
As with much of the Dorset coast, this section of the coastline is important for its geological interest. There is a mixture of limestone, chalk sands and clays, and in many places you can see spectacular folding with clear distinctions between the different aged rock strata.
Lulworth, Dorset
Access Opportunities
The Dorset Coast Path runs through Lulworth Ranges. There are also a number of circular walks within the Ranges, including walks featured in Related links.
There are car parking facilities at Whiteway and Tyneham. Picnic facilities are also available at Whiteway car park.
Worbarrow Beach is open to the public when the Ranges are open.
Red flags are flown/lamps are lit to indicate live firing during which time access is prohibited to the live firing Range Danger Area.
These firing times are subject to last-minute change, please phone 01929 404819 to listen to an answering machine that will give up-to-date access information to callers.
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