General information about Public Rights of Way

Types of Public Rights of Way

Rights of Way should be signposted at the roadside and may also be waymarked along the route as required.

Public Footpath - (indicated by a yellow waymark arrow) for use on foot only

• normally wide enough for two adults to walk side by side.
• should be a minimum of 1 metre wide across a field and 1.5 metres wide around the field edge.
• stiles and gates provide access through hedges and fences; bridges across streams and drains.

Bridleway - (indicated by a blue waymark arrow) for use on foot, horseback and pedal cycle

• should be a minimum of least 2 metres wide across a field and 3 metres wide around the field edge.
• sufficient headroom (4 metres) for horse and rider.
• no stiles; gates should be wide enough for horses and easily openable on horseback.

Restricted Byways - (indicated by a purple waymark arrow) for use by non motorised vehicles eg Horse & cart, horses, pedal cycle or on foot

Byway open to all traffic (BOAT) - (indicated by a red waymark arrow) for use on foot, horseback, pedal cycle and wheeled vehicles of all kind

• mainly used by the public for walking and riding
• surface may not be suitable for motor vehicles
• should be a minimum of at least 3 metres wide across a field and 5 metres wide around the field edge
• gates should be wide enough for vehicle access

Public Rights of Way can be found in towns, villages and the countryside. All public rights of way should be denoted by a signpost or waymark. Some paths may be surfaced but many are tracks across countryside owned by farmers and landowners.

Public footpaths are not to be confused with highway footways which are pavements to the side of the road.

Permissive routes are not public rights of way but routes which can be used by the public with the permission of the landowner.

Private rights Be careful to distinguish between public rights of way and private rights of way. The County Council does not hold records of private rights of access, wayleaves or easements. Different rules apply - you should seek your own legal advice on such matters.