A historic new right for walkers to enjoy thousands of acres of open land in the south west of England will be celebrated on 28 August, rural affairs minister Alun Michael announced today.

The region, which has some of most breathtaking scenery in the country, is the sixth to have mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land officially mapped as open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Welcoming the landmark date, Alun Michael said: "The south west has a range of magnificent scenery, from its sweeping coastline, deep wooded valleys and open moorland, much of it will be open to walkers in August.

"The region is a popular destination for tourists and I'm sure the new right will be seen as another good reason for people to visit.

"I am particularly pleased the new right comes into effect on August bank holiday. I urge as many people as possible to take advantage of their new right to explore this unique corner of England."

The right, first celebrated last year, is being introduced on a region-by-region basis to give visitors new walking opportunities as early as possible.

Open land in the lower North West and South East of England was officially opened to walkers on 19 September 2004. The new right started in central Southern England on 14 December 2004 and will commence in the Upper North West and North East on 28 May this year.

The current timetable of commencement dates in each mapping area is as follows:

For further information on the new access rights and maps of access land already open, visit the website www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.

Land managers can find out more by visiting the website www.openaccess.gov.uk or by emailing openaccess@countryside.gov.uk or telephoning the Open Access Contact Centre on 0845 100 3298.

Copies of 'Countryside access and the new rights' and new Countryside Code leaflets are also available by telephoning 0845 100 3298 or emailing openaccess@countryside.gov.uk.