Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways Explained

In England and Wales, public rights of way come in four main types, and knowing which one you are on changes who you might meet and what you are allowed to do. A public footpath is for walking only – you can take a dog, and usually push a pram, but not ride a bike or a horse. A bridleway is for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. A restricted byway adds horse-drawn vehicles to that list. A byway open to all traffic is rare and often unsurfaced, but it carries full vehicular rights. Scotland works differently: the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives a right of responsible access to most land and inland water, so you are not confined to formal paths as long as you behave sensibly.

Reading the Waymarkers

Waymarkers are the small discs or arrows that guide you along a path. In England and Wales, the colour of the arrow tells you the status of the route.

• Yellow – public footpath.
• Blue – bridleway.
• Purple – restricted byway.
• Red – byway open to all traffic.

In Scotland, waymarkers vary by area, but they often use white or yellow arrows. An arrow points the way; sometimes a symbol of a walker, horse or bike appears alongside it. If a sign is missing, look for a stile, a gap in a hedge, or a worn line across a field. Do not assume that a path continues just because it looks well-trodden. Carry a detailed map that shows rights of way, and cross-check it with what you see on the ground.

Open Access Land and the Right to Roam

Open access land is different from a right of way. In England and Wales, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gives you the right to walk freely on mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath, down, and registered common land. Look for the open access symbol on signs and maps – often a brown sign with a walking figure and the words 'open access'. On this land you can wander off paths, but you must still respect closures, and you cannot camp, light fires, or swim in reservoirs. In Scotland, the right to roam is broader, covering most land and inland water, provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. A key rule for dog owners: on open access land in England and Wales, keep your dog on a short lead (no more than two metres) between 1 March and 31 July, and at all times around livestock. On public footpaths, dogs should be under close control, but a lead is still wise near farm animals or ground-nesting birds.

Gates, Stiles and the Countryside Code

Most conflict on paths comes from small, avoidable things. Leave gates as you find them – if a gate is closed, close it behind you; if it is open, leave it open. Farmers close gates to keep livestock in or out, and an open gate can mean a lost herd or a wrecked crop. Use stiles and gaps rather than climbing walls or fences. Do not block gateways or driveways. Take all litter home, and never light a fire or barbecue. Leave wildflowers for others to enjoy, and keep your dog from chasing sheep, cattle or horses – even a playful chase can cause injury or abortion in livestock. A cheerful hello to a farmer or landowner goes a long way, too.

Avoiding Conflict with Other Users and Landowners

On bridleways, cyclists should give way to walkers and horse riders. Horse riders may be nervous, so slow down, speak calmly, and pass wide. Walkers, keep your dog close and do not let it run up to horses or bikes. On any shared path, keep left where possible, and let faster users pass when it is safe. If you meet a landowner who challenges you, stay polite and explain where you are heading. Most disputes arise because someone has strayed onto private land or ignored a sign. Temporary closures happen for shooting, forestry, military training or conservation work. Check the local authority's rights of way web pages, or look for notices at access points, before you set out. If a path is blocked by a fallen tree or an overgrown hedge, report it to the highway authority rather than forcing a way through.

Practical Tips for a Confident Walk

A little preparation makes all the difference. Use a large-scale map that marks footpaths, bridleways and access land, and learn the symbols before you go. Check for temporary closures and diversions. Carry a lead even if your dog is well-behaved, and a few poo bags – bag it and bin it, or take it home. Be ready for stiles, gates and muddy patches. If a waymarker is missing, trust your map and your compass rather than a faint trail. And remember that a right of way is a shared privilege: walk quietly, leave no trace, and you will be welcome back on the path time and again.