I agree and it generally doesn't (although it's no bad thing to know where you stand in the eyes of the law).

But it does detract from the enjoyment, to me anyway, if you feel like you're not "welcome". I prefer to go to open access areas where I can walk where I want without having to even think about it. I wish England and Wales would adopt Scotland's stance, but the English are far too insecure! And anyway Osborne will have sold all the remaining countryside to his mates soon, so it'll be pay-per-view (you'll be lucky) to go and see any English heritage sites that haven't been bulldozed.