Rights of way and access land

Rights of Way

Public rights of way: Legal routes that anyone can use. There are four types in England and Wales: footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways, and byways open to all traffic (BOATs).
Footpaths: Only walkers can use these. Indicated by yellow arrows on signposts or posts.
Bridleways: Walkers, horse riders, and cyclists can use these. Indicated by blue arrows.
Restricted byways: You can walk, ride a horse or a bicycle, or use any vehicle not mechanically propelled (e.g., a horse and cart). Indicated by plum-coloured arrows.
Byways open to all traffic (BOATs): You can use any type of vehicle, but they are mainly used by walkers and horse riders. Indicated by red arrows.
Creating a Public Right of Way: It can be created in various ways, including by a landowner dedicating it for this purpose or by the public using a route uninterrupted and unchallenged for at least 20 years.
Stiles and Gates: If the public path crosses a boundary, the landowner is obliged to maintain stiles or gates.

Access Land

Right to Roam: Also known as “open access land”. It covers mountains, moors, heaths, and downs that are privately owned. It also includes common land registered with the local council and land made available under access agreements.
Restrictions: There are some activities that are restricted on access land, such as driving a vehicle (unless on a defined route), camping, lighting fires, or disturbing wildlife, and landowners can temporarily suspend access for land management, safety, or wildlife protection.
Freedom to access: Under certain conditions, people are granted the freedom to walk freely off public rights of way on designated land.
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act): This introduced the right to roam in England and Wales. It shows where people are able to walk and when access may be restricted.
Responsibility: Walkers have a duty of care to respect the countryside, its wildlife, and the rights of landowners, and to keep dogs on leads around livestock.