NEW public access rights to the countryside, due to take effect from the end of May, could hit a snag from the word go.

Restrictions operated by landowners mean people could be excluded from large areas throughout the North-East.

More problems could arise through grouse moor owners being able to ban dogs from their land for up to five years.

Already 90pc of grouse moor is covered by such curbs and a 100pc take-up is expected.

Details emerged as hundreds of square miles of land are prepared to be opened up on May 28 with the introduction of Open Access rights.

However, the matter is complicated because it occurs in the middle of the nesting season which means large areas will be out of bounds.

The North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and moorland access land in Durham are all covered by the scheme.

The move represents the biggest change in access for decades.

But the Countryside Agency has warned that each parcel of land qualifies for 28 days' closure when people can be excluded. If owners have applied for restrictions, it will mean some land could be off limits on May 28-29 - the weekend the new freedoms begin.

However, landowners cannot use the restriction on bank holidays, meaning the first full day of operation will be May 30.

Regarding the grouse moor rules, the Countryside Agency is advising people to check its web site for details of restrictions.

Agency board member Tayo Adebowale said: "The area being opened up is rich in wildlife and beautiful scenery.

"But with the new rights come new responsibilities, so it is important to follow the countryside code and any local signs which limit where people can walk or take a dog."

English Nature chairman Martin Doughty said the public had never before had such an opportunity to explore wildlife habitats.

"We are working to ensure landowners get the support they need to enable public access and England's wildlife to flourish together," he said.

In the North York Moors National Park, Open Access officer Suzy Grindley said: "There will be about 91 square miles of new Open Access land open to visitors, meaning that walkers will have access across 47 per cent of the area."

The access does not extend to cyclists, vehicles or horse riders. Camping and fires are also prohibited. Dogs cannot be walked on Open Access land, except where otherwise indicated.

All existing and historic rights of access will remain unaffected and dogs can still be walked on rights of way, where they should be kept on a lead.

The park has recruited another 35 voluntary rangers - taking its total to more than 200 - in a bid to ensure introduction of the new access rights runs smoothly.

In County Durham, the Barnard Castle group of the Ramblers' Association is celebrating the start of Open Access with a seven-mile walk on Barningham Moor.

Leader Jo Bird said: "The new rights will give walkers a chance to visit features which could previously not be reached."

As it is the nesting season, dogs will not be allowed on the walk.

Barningham Moor owner Sir Anthony Milbank said: "Management of red grouse shooting plays a big part in conserving the heather moorlands which provide the last safe haven for many species of birds.

"It is crucial for people to appreciate that dogs may be excluded from many areas of new access land."

Details of the walk are available on 01833 637756. More information about the new rights can be found on www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.