Rights of way

There are several different types of rights of way and you have the right to walk along all of them. Some rights of way are also open to horse riders, cyclists or motorists.

Some public rights of way may be subject to seasonal or permanent restrictions. To find out more, see our Rights of way restrictions webpage.

	Footpaths - let you go by foot only and are marked by a yellow arrow.
	Bridleways - let you go by foot, horse or bike and are marked by a blue arrow.
	By ways open to all traffic - let you travel by any form of transport, including motor vehicles and are usually marked by a red arrow.
	Restricted byways - let you travel by any form of transport that doesn’t have a motor and are marked by a purple arrow.
	Permissive paths are not legal rights of way, but are routes which the landowner has agreed the public can use and are marked by a black arrow.

View the rights of way improvement plan

Farmers and other landowners can learn about their responsibilities in the rights of way guide

Permissive paths are not legal rights of way, but are routes which the landowner has agreed the public can use and are marked by a black arrow.

PLEASE NOTE: The below Public Rights of Way Guide was published in 2010 and some information is now out of date. The County Council recovers the costs for many of the services it now provides and you should contact the Definitive Map team ([email protected]) if you require any assistance with rights of way matters. The document still does however contain details of general principles that you may find useful.

If you are involved in development that affects public rights of way you can download the guidance for planners and developers

For commercial companies and individuals wishing to apply for a highway, public rights of way or common land and town/village green search please go to Highway Searches.