Salisbury Plain Training Area
Camping & bivouac, hiking and paragliding
Regulations on 30 October 2026
Signs at the site and later resolutions prevail; check the source.
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Regulated
Hiking · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Salisbury Plain Training Area
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Access restrictions
When the training areas are used for live firing or major exercises, red flags (day) or red lights (night) are displayed and access is prohibited.
Access to Imber Range is out of bounds whether the flags/lights are displayed or not. Imber is subject to the Imber Ranges Byelaws 1963.
Bulford and Larkhill Ranges are subject to the Bulford Ranges Byelaws 1970 and Larkhill Artillery Range Byelaws 1965.
All green space is subject to the Salisbury Plain Military Lands Byelaws 1981.
Access opportunities
A network of public rights of way provide access across the training area.
Access to Imber Village and Imber Church is permitted during Easter, on the August bank holiday and Christmas.
Published by Ministry of Defence, 23 Jan 2025 · South West England - public access to military areas
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Permit required
Camping & bivouac · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
- 3.- (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of byelaw 2, no person when on the Military Lands shall except with the prior permission of the General Officer Commanding the Army District and in accordance with the terms of such permission.
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(f) camp, (whether in tents, caravans or otherwise) bivouac or sleep out;
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PUBLIC ACCESS
- 4. The Salisbury Plain Military Lands are in almost constant military use. Permission is not required for the exercise of public rights of way; […] since certain activities on the lands constitute offences under the byelaws unless they are done with the prior permission of the General Officer Commanding. Such permission will whenever possible be granted for group activities. Applications for permission by individuals will be considered on their merits.
Published by Ministry of Defence, 26 Nov 1981 · The Salisbury Plain Military Lands Byelaws 1981
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Permit required
Paragliding · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
- 3.- (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of byelaw 2, no person when on the Military Lands shall except with the prior permission of the General Officer Commanding the Army District and in accordance with the terms of such permission.
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(vii) engage in hang-gliding, parascending or kite-flying.
Published by Ministry of Defence, 26 Nov 1981 · The Salisbury Plain Military Lands Byelaws 1981