disused railway lines

[steve36]

Hi,just wondering if I am legally allowed to ride on disused railway lines.there are a number in my area, some running through farmers fields etc.Does anyone know if I would be tress passing or breaking any laws by riding them.
Many thanks
Steve.

 

[MontyVeda]

most are on private land so.... yes

i think it becomes trespassing when you have to climb a fence or go through a closed gate to gain access to it

 

[Peteaud]

When the lines stop much of the land was returned / bought by farms etc.

Not all land though, some still remains, but the only way would be to look on the land register.

A lot of old rail lines are now cycle / walking paths but in many areas some parts are only in use by kind permision of the land owner.

 

[Pauluk]

You wouldn't be breaking the law unless it was something like Ministry of Defense land may be (even then I'm not sure). Trespassing is not a criminal offense, but the land owner can ask you to leave and use reasonable force to get you off if you refused their request. They could also expect financial compensation if you have damaged anything.