The MOD has a presumption in favour of public access wherever this is compatible with operational and military training use, public safety, security, conservation and the interests of tenants.
The right for the public to access Dartmoor on foot or on horseback was recognised by the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 and more recently by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
This access is only restricted, for the public’s safety, when live firing is programmed and notified. At all other times the military share Dartmoor with other users. To increase certainty of access, Guaranteed Public Access Periods have been agreed with the Dartmoor Steering Group. The Firing Notice gives 6 weeks advance warning of the live firing programme; any cancellations are included promptly.
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.
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 impact of military activities on the public enjoyment of Dartmoor has been studied and additional measures introduced to increase the quantity, quality and certainty of access.