The right to cross private land by the public is known as a ‘Public Right of Way’. The various types of right of way are collectively known as Highways. Landowners can grant other uses of the highway on the land they control. For example the landowner can drive a tractor down a footpath on their land.
The rules and regulations that apply on roads also apply on all types of highways. For example, it is an offence to cycle recklessly, carelessly or without consideration for other users on a bridleway.
Footpaths
A footpath is a highway which the public only have a right of way on foot. Footpaths are normally tracks and as such are not surfaced.
Walkers can take ‘Usual Accompaniments’ on footpaths. Usual accompaniments includes prams, pushchairs, wheelchairs and dogs but not bicycles (even if carried). Dogs must be accompanied and kept under close control. Note that a footpath may not be suitable for prams etc because of the condition of the path surface, slopes or the presence of stiles and gates. The riding of bicycles or horses on a footpath is a civil offence.
Footpaths have yellow way markings.
Footways or Pavements
A path alongside a road (carriageway) is known as a footway. It does not have a separate legal existence to the carriageway unless a road has been built alongside an existing highway. The rights of the public for a footway are the same as a footpath except it is a criminal offence to ride a bicycle or horse on a footway.
Footways do not have way markings.
Bridleways
A bridleway is a footpath that may be used by horse riders (mules and donkeys are normally classified as horses) and cyclists. Vehicles (including horse drawn vehicles and motorcycles) are not allowed nor are other ridden animals. Pedestrians and horse riders have priority over cyclists.
Bridleways have blue way markings.
Restricted Byways
A restricted byway is a bridleway that may be used by horse drawn vehicles. Other vehicles are not allowed.
Restricted byways have plum way markings.
Byways Open To All Traffic (BOATs)
All vehicle types are allowed on a BOAT although the surface is unlikely to be suitable for motor vehicles. Because of this the surface may be torn up or be wet and muddy.
Byways have red way markings.
Roads Used as Public Path (RUPPs)
RUPPs can be found marked on old maps. They were converted to Restricted Byways by law in 2005. A few have since become BOATs.
Permissive Paths
A landowner can grant the public access over their land without dedicating a public right of way. There must be a sign that it is not a right of way and can be closed or diverted at any time by the landowner. The landowner can determine who can use a permissive path so could allow horse riders but not cyclists.