PROVISIONAL maps of common land and open country in North Yorkshire and County Durham, which could eventually provide access for walkers, have been published.

The move marks the second stage in the Countryside Agency's three-step approach to identify mountain and moorland in the upper north-west section of the country under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The area spans from Carlisle to Hexham, down to Ripon and Harrogate, and across to Skipton. It includes the Durham Dales, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Nidderdale area of outstanding natural beauty.

A draft map was published in December, and a three-month public consultation attracted 3,500 comments.

Now people with a legal interest in the land, including landowners, tenants and holders of common and sporting rights, have a right to appeal against their land being registered if they consider it inappropriate. They have until November 19 to appeal.

The third stage will be publication of the conclusive map and new access rights are expected to begin in autumn 2004.

The provisional map for the Yorkshire Dales National Park is on show at the Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, daily 10am to 5pm, and at the park authority's offices in Grassington, Mondays to Thursdays 8.30 to 5pm and Fridays 8.30 to 4.30.

Both maps can be viewed at Richmond, Harrogate, Settle and Skipton libraries and the offices of North Yorkshire County Council and Richmondshire and Craven District Councils. Parish councils will also be sent copies.

Ptovisional maps can be seen on the web site www.countryside.gov.uk/access/mapping.