Nearly three-quarters of riverbanks in England remain inaccessible to the public, according to recent data from the Right to Roam campaign. The research highlights that waterways across the country—from Cornwall in the southwest to the River Tweed in northern England and Scotland—are largely off-limits to walkers, swimmers, and other recreational users.
The study, led by environmental social scientist Lewis Winks, found that 71% of riverbanks along main rivers and tributaries in 89 river catchments lack any adjoining public access land or right of way within 100 meters of the water. This pattern holds true even when urban areas are excluded. Furthermore, 96% of rivers in England and Wales have no statutory right to access the water itself, resulting in landowners often contesting activities such as swimming and paddling. Inland waters including reservoirs and lakes are also largely closed to the public.
The campaigners are urging Angela Eagle, the newly appointed environment secretary, to initiate a long-delayed public consultation and introduce a legal right of responsible access to water and surrounding land. They hope such measures will be included in the next king’s speech, a key government announcement outlining legislative priorities.
The issue has gained attention amid record-breaking heatwaves that have driven many people to seek free, natural ways to cool down. Rescue services caution, however, that entering cold water carries risks and encourage safety awareness.
Kate Rew of the Outdoor Swimming Society emphasized the broader environmental significance of reconnecting people with rivers. She noted that engaging with natural waterways contributes to public health and happiness but also fosters a greater willingness to protect and restore these ecosystems. “People rarely fight for places they’re excluded from,” she stated, underscoring the link between access and conservation.
The Right to Roam data also revealed regional disparities in access. For example, 90% of the riverbank along the Severn Middle Shropshire catchment is inaccessible, compared with 49% in the New Forest catchment. Some well-known walking trails named after rivers are unable to follow the waterways closely due to restricted access. The Severn Way section between Shrewsbury and Telford is nearly completely separated from the river itself.
The current government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has pledged to create nine national river walks to enhance public access. However, Winks noted that the first of these routes, located along the Mersey, has yet to deliver additional access to waterways.
A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the government is working to increase access to natural areas. This includes not only the new national river walks but also a coast-to-coast route in northern England and the 2,700-mile King Charles III England coast path. The government’s initiatives aim to balance environmental protection with expanding public use of natural landscapes.