Public Access at Soulton Hall: A Note for Visitors
Here at Soulton, we welcome visitors who appreciate the beauty and history of our grounds. However, it’s important to understand the different types of access available:
- Public Rights of Way: These are formally designated paths with legal protection, marked on definitive maps and clearly signposted within our grounds.
- Permissive Paths: We offer permissive access along specific routes, allowing visitors to enjoy designated areas like the stone path leading to Soulton Long Barrow and the path north of the farm. These paths exist with our consent and can be withdrawn at any time.
Important Reminders:
- Respecting Farmland: Open access across fields is unfortunately not possible. These areas are vital for wildlife and agricultural practices.
- Leashed Dogs: Well-behaved canine companions are welcome on permissive paths, but please keep them leashed and clean up after them. Your dog is very scary for ground nestigng birds and we see the populations fall when people are not keeping dogs under control.
- Safety First: South of the B5065/Soulton Road, a marked permissive path offers a safer alternative for navigating a challenging stretch of road. While we can’t single-handedly address the bottleneck at Soulton Bridge, we’re committed to contributing to a solution.
- Soulton Wood: Public access to Soulton Wood is managed with ticketed admission and there is no open access.
We hope this clarifies access options at Soulton Hall.
Please be mindful as you explore, and enjoy your visit to this historic landscape!
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A Permissive Path sign
What is ‘permissive access’?
In the context of English footpaths, permissive access refers to public access granted by the landowner, but not formally designated as a right of way.
Unlike public footpaths, permissive paths aren’t recorded on official maps and can be withdrawn by the landowner at any time. While walkers can still enjoy these paths, they do so with the landowner’s permission, and their access is subject to any conditions the landowner sets. This might include restrictions on times of use, dog walking rules, or specific routes to be followed. It’s important to be respectful of these paths and tread lightly, as continued access often relies on maintaining a positive relationship with the landowner.
