With the recession, volcanic ash, and concerns for the environment, more people are taking holidays closer to home, especially to walk our coastal paths. What is the impact on the RNLI?

Waves crashing on a sandy beach or rocks; the clink of yacht rigging; seals bobbing in the water; seabirds calling and diving for fish; bees buzzing sleepily from wild coastal flowers and the salty seaweed aroma of the sea: if we’re lucky we might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin. All can be experienced while roaming our coastal fringes. Coastal walking allows us to get back to Nature, to enjoy the sea air, flora and fauna and to notice things that we can easily miss from our car windows. But how do we stay safe and also make sure that we are not trespassing or breaking the law when we go off the beaten track?

A right to roam

Where are we allowed to go? Organisations such as  The Ramblers Association have long been campaigning vociferously and now successfully for this right to roam. ‘The freedom to roam’ refers to our access to both public and private land for recreation and exercise. It mostly relates to uncultivated land. Developed space, gardens and a large proportion of agricultural land are excluded. The requirements of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act of 2000 (CRoW) for England and Wales have been gradually implemented and came into effect across England in October 2005. In Scotland, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of 2003 put into law the right to go onto land for recreation and education and to cross land for access, but this must be done responsibly. This right has developed over centuries. In the RoI, much of the land is in private ownership and access is only possible with the goodwill of the owner. Most, however, do not object to the occasional walker. 

New legislation, though, was introduced last year with the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. This Act is the equivalent to CRoW for access to the coast.

This gives public right of way to areas of coastline that were previously inaccessible, with a view to establishing a coastal path around the whole of the English coastline. Natural England is in the early stages of implementing the Act and the approved scheme for access is to go through a period of consultation with interested parties (including the RNLI). The Act will also apply to Wales but not Scotland, Northern Ireland or the RoI.

The Countryside Code for England and Wales remains to help members of the public respect, protect and enjoy the countryside. For example shutting gates behind you, taking litter home, following signs and keeping your animals under control.

Getting out there

Having carefully checked the weather forecast and armed with a good walking guide, Ordnance Survey map, mobile phone, a drink, something to eat, torch, first aid kit, the right footwear and protective clothing for the conditions, plus sunscreen in good weather; we shouldn’t go far wrong. By using a walking guide and map we won’t fall foul of the law unless we read the map incorrectly. Paying attention to designated byeways, paths, bridleways (usually indicated by a broken red or green line on Ordnance Survey maps) and indicated rights of way should keep us out of trouble. A right of way means you have right of passage over usually private land, but you must keep to the line of path and not stray. When you wander off, you are technically trespassing if on private land. If there are obstructions, you are permitted to move them just enough to get past. And if there are farmers’ crops growing over the right of way you need to decide whether to pick your way through while trying not to trample them or make a detour, which is trespassing!

Other paths, permissive or concessionary, are created by landowners. As their names imply, there is no legal right for the owner to supply them and they are subject to change. You also have free access to country parks, canal towpaths, most beaches, some mountains and some Ministry of Defence land – but watch out for firing notices and red flags! The Forestry Commission and National Trust usually allow access to their land; in fact the National Trust is one of the biggest landowners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is caretaker of over 500 miles of coastline. The Scottish National Trust was set up in 1931 and the Trusts hold the properties and land for the nation, making them available for public access, but charges may apply.

Access and the RNLI

RNLI coastal locations sometimes inevitably have practical problems regarding public rights of way but the charity works hard to address these issues. Particular concerns relate to public access to RNLI lifeboat station slipways and quays. Because of the size and speed of lifeboats being launched down a slipway, there are serious hazards associated with members of the public having right of access seaward of the boathouses. This safety risk is most significant when station volunteers and personnel are actively launching or recovering vessels. The RNLI feels it should have the right to restrict access at such times and more generally for security. Other considerations include the area surrounding a lifeboat station. Due to the nature of RNLI operations, there is the potential that visitors could disrupt the charity’s rescue work. Currently, problems are avoided through a variety of means including putting up signs or asking for public cooperation face to face. There is also a need to have clearance for other emergency vehicles such as waiting ambulances, police and coastguard vehicles.

At times of poor weather or sea conditions, there is an increased risk to people accessing slipways; for example there is the possibility of being swept into the sea by large waves.

However, this is not meant to deter people from visiting lifeboat station. Check out Visiting stations at rnli.org.uk/nearyou for those that are easily accessible

Being responsible

If you take your dog with you on your ramble, there may be areas where you cannot walk, particularly on farmland. You should keep your dog on a lead and be especially careful when there are other animals nearby or when venturing near cliffs. The RNLI receives many call outs each year to dogs that have fallen over cliffs. While the RNLI is not an animal rescue organisation, crews will respond if they feel there is a danger of the owner attempting their own rescue and injuring themselves.

When walking by the water’s edge, you should be aware of the tides. Last year the RNLI’s lifeboats rescued 277 people cut off by the tide. Other hazards to watch out for are falling rocks, marshy areas or quicksand, tripping hazards such as tree roots, or being bitten or stung by snakes or insects.

Walking further

If you yearn for something a bit more challenging than a saunter along the seafront, then there are opportunities to walk or run by the sea and raise money for the RNLI at the same time. The RNLI organises welly walks and Summer sprints, which are short, fun ways of getting together to raise money. Some people, however, are tempted to take things further. In 2008, Jannina Henderson walked 1,400 miles of the British coastline with her two dogs and raised thousands of pounds for Lizard Lifeboat Station’s proposed new lifeboat and station.

At the time of writing, keen walker and teacher Sara Lyons from Cornwall had just completed a sponsored walk from Dover to Land’s End to raise money for RNLI lifeguards and another charity. She says: ‘RNLI lifeguards do an amazing job. They are ready to respond to any problems on the beach and in the water. They teach children and young people to respect the sea, preventing incidents from occurring in the first place. I think they also provide good role models for young people, which is important nowadays. I know the presence of lifeguards is reassuring for anyone using the beaches … from parents with young children to surfers.’

The health benefits of walking are well documented so do enjoy your right to roam but be careful when your walk takes you near the water’s edge.