Footpaths
Footpaths for walkers are normally marked with a yellow arrow. You have the right to walk along a footpath with a normal accompaniment (e.g. a dog, a pram or a wheelchair).
It is our understanding of the current law that you may not, however, wheel a bicycle along a footpath. You do not have the right to ride a bicycle, ride or lead a horse, or take a horse-drawn carriage along a footpath (this is a 'trespass' against the landowner).
It is a criminal offence to drive a motor vehicle along a public footpath unless you have specific lawful authority.
Bridleways
Bridleways are for walkers, horse riders and cyclists and normally marked with a blue arrow.
You have the right to walk along a bridleway, to ride or lead a horse, and to ride a bicycle. It is possible that you may have a right to drive animals such as sheep or cattle as well. Please note that this does not include a right to drive a pony and trap.
Cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on a bridleway. It is a criminal offence to drive a motor vehicle along a bridleway unless you have specific lawful authority. You do not have the right to take a horse drawn vehicle along a bridleway.
Byways open to all traffic (BOATs)
Walkers, horse riders, cyclists, horse-drawn vehicles and motorised vehicles can use BOATs. They are normally marked with a red arrow.
The public have the same rights on BOATs as on surfaced country lanes. However, there is no legal obligation for a BOAT to be hard-surfaced. Vehicles using BOATs must be fully taxed, MOT'd and insured.
Access to some BOATS in motor vehicles is restricted to prevent surface damage. Restrictions may be seasonal or all year round, the list on the right of this page gives more details.
Restricted Byways
Walkers, horse riders, cyclists and horse-drawn vehicles can use Restricted Byways.
It is a criminal offence to drive a motor vehicle along a Restricted Byway unless you have specific lawful authority.
They are normally marked with a purple arrow. By comparison with some other areas, there are currently very few Restricted Byways in Cambridgeshire.