Vixen Tor was closed off in May 2003

Mary Alford is using the Human Rights Act to attempt to deny walkers access to Vixen Tor at Merrivale. It is due to be re-opened under the Right to Roam.

The Tor was closed to the public in May 2003 after it was bought by Ms Alford.

In June, Madonna partly won a bid to stop ramblers using part of her estate on the Wiltshire/Dorset border, saying her human rights would be infringed.

Insurance concerns

Vixen Tor is private land, but for more than 30 years access was allowed by its previous owner.

However, when the land was bought by farmer Mary Alford, she said she was advised to close it by her insurers as she could be liable if anyone was injured while walking or climbing.

The Tor was then included on official maps showing areas open to the public under Right to Roam laws.

But Mrs Alford is appealing against that, citing the defence used by Madonna.

Farmer Mary Alford hopes to deny access under the Human Rights Act

The singer claimed 142 hectares of land of her �9m estate at Ashcombe House, on the Wiltshire/Dorset borders, had been wrongly classified as "open country".

She and husband Guy Ritchie succeeded in keeping part of the estate closed arguing walkers would spoil the peaceful enjoyment of their property.

However, John Bainbridge of the Dartmoor Preservation Association, said: "To buy a piece of land which you know the public wanders round and then to try and close it on human rights grounds is a farce."

There is also another appeal pending on the site.

Ms Alford, of Moortown Farm, Tavistock, was convicted of cultivating the land around the Tor in June. She is contesting that.

A government spokesman said the two appeals could delay the Tor's re-opening, which was due for next August.

Mrs Alford said she had no comment to make.

Her appeal against the Right to Roam will mean a public inquiry, which is due to be held at the end of the year.

No date has been set for the appeal against her conviction.