© Anthony Green 2011

The basic advice for walking in the countryside, or anywhere, is given in the Countryside Code. Based on the criteria Respect - Protect - Enjoy, the main section headings are:

• Advice for the public: introduction
• Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
• Keep dogs under close control
• Consider other people

The code can be read in full at the Natural England web site.

For walking in general, there is no better source than the Ramblers Association. The Ramblers was founded in 1935  and, as a charity working to promote walking and to improve conditions for all walkers, is Britain's biggest . It has over 135,000 members in England, Scotland and Wales. On their web site you will find useful information on walking in Britain.

Worcestershire County Council have extensive information on walking in Worcestershire on their Countryside Service pages.

• Countryside Sites: which lists Country Parks and Other Large Sites
• Public Rights of Way: which includes an on-line definitive rights of way map for the county
• Way marked Walks: offering a variety of way marked walks and trails in the county.
• Guided-walks-and-events: giving a listing of upcoming events.
• Publications: a number of publications available (some  incur a small charge).
• Volunteering: the Countryside Service has a range of volunteering opportunities

Plus other sections covering items such as access land, volunteering, advice and support etc.