Join Now

Army Ranges

Tregantle Ranges, (South Cornwall)
(Grid ref: between SX 375 535 and SX 386 528)

Opened in late 2003, it is now possible to walk through the ranges. This has been made possible by the Ministry of Defence following representations by us. [See our annual award for 2003.]

For information about range opening times, call 01752 822516. When the range walks are closed you will need to take a 1.5 mile (2.4km) detour along roads on the "old" path.

Lulworth Ranges, (Dorset)
(Grid ref: between SY 828 797 and SY 900 790)

Between Lulworth Cove and Kimmeridge Bay the Coast Path passes through an Army live firing range. This is open to the public only at certain times. When the Range walk is closed an inland detour is necessary. A 13.5 mile/22km detour, mostly using inland footpaths, is set out in the 2011 SWCPA Guidebook; a slightly shorter alternative of 12 miles/19km, mostly on minor roads, is also described.

The Lulworth Range walks and Tyneham Villages are open to the public every weekend with the exception of the following:

  • 21st/22nd January 2012
  • 10th/11th March 2012
  • 21st/22nd April 2012
  • 16th/17th June 2012
  • 29th/30th September 2012
  • 17th/18th November 2012

In addition to the weekends they are open every day during the following times; all dates are inclusive:

  • Christmas - 17th December 2011 – 2nd January 2012
  • Easter - 31st March – 9th April 2012
  • Bank Holiday - 5th – 7th May 2012
  • Spring - 2nd – 10th June 2012
  • Summer - 28th July – 9th September 2012
  • Christmas - 22nd December 2012 – 1st January 2013

Please note that the exhibitions in Tyneham School and Tyneham Church are open from 10.00 until 16.00.

The gates to the walks are opened as near to 0900 hours on the Saturday morning as possible and remain open until 0800 hours on the Monday morning when only open at the weekends. The gate to Tyneham is locked each night at dusk.

For any further information please phone 01929 404819

About 70,000 high explosive shells are fired each year which means that the Army must search the path thoroughly before opening it. It is absolutely essential to follow these rules;

  • Never enter the Ranges if the gate is locked
  • Never stray from the path
  • Never allow children or dogs to stray
  • Never enter any building
  • Never pick up any object
  • Never camp or light fires
  • Never attempt to walk if there is mist or fog
  • Never enter the Ranges unless you have time to complete the very arduous 6-mile walk
  • ALWAYS obey instructions of the range wardens

Information about the range walks can be obtained from the Range Control Office (0900-1630 hrs Mon-Fri and during the weekends when the ranges walks are closed), Tel: 01929 404819.

Unfortunately, there are no permanent staff on duty in the Guard room. Soldiers posted to or on the course at Lulworth find themselves on Guard Duty from time to time. They have much to do and whether or not the Range walks are open does not come to the top of the list. Every effort is made to ensure that up to date information is at hand in the Guard room.