What is a Right of Way?

Public rights of way are highways over which members of the public have the legal rights of passage across someone else's land. The County Council has a statutory duty to keep public paths open and available for use at all times.

There are three categories of public path shown on the County Council's current Definitive Map:

Public Footpath over which the right of way is on foot only

Public Bridleway over which the right of way is on foot, on horse or on bicycle. Cyclists must give way to walkers and riders.

Public Byway Open to All Traffic (or BOAT), over which the right of way is on foot, horse or bicycle or by motor vehicles.

Photo of a man walking along a Right of Way

For more detailed information on the definition of a Right of Way, the Council's responsibilities and how to view the definitive map, open our PDF document icon Rights of Way Guide.

Last Modified: 22/12/2009 13:22:31
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