There is a permenant dog ban in place to protect moorland birds at Thorn Crag and the surrounding moorland under the CRoW Act. Do not take dogs to Thorn Crag or the surrounding area - it risks conflict with local residents and landowners and could lead to issues with parking and access.
The moorland is sometimes closed for shooting using the 28 days allowed under CRoW – please check Natural England’s website for any restrictions (enter the grid reference and scroll to the bottom for restrictions info) before visiting to ensure there are no closures in place.
Parking and Approach
Parking in Tarnbrook is no longer permitted, with multiple 'no parking' signs placed around and on approach to the hamlet.
Instead, park in the walled layby on the right, 200m from the turning off main road at Lower Lee. From here walk 2km up the road to Tarnbrook and the start of the permissive path leading north across open access land to the crag.
CRoW Information
Open access land, designated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2000) give area access rather than linear access as provided by public rights of way. It also gives a legal right of access specifically for climbing, as well as walking and other quiet recreation on foot.
Please bear in mind however that the landowner still has the right to restrict access for up to 28 days per year (often used on public safety grounds for shooting in moorland areas), and can also apply for longer term restrictions with Natural England (such as bans on dogs, or regular restrictions during particular times of year). It is important to check for these restrictions regularly as they can be added at short notice – all details for open access land in England can be found on Natural England’s website .