Practical Information
In Britain there are three main types of path as shown in the table below.
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Footpath: This is a public right of way on foot only |
Bridleway: This is a public right of way on foot, on horseback or on a pedal cycle. |
Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT): This gives the public a right of way for vehicles and all other kinds of traffic, but is used mainly as a footpath or bridleway. |
Paths should be waymarked at regular intervals, and at junctions, with a distinctive path logo, usually on a metal or wooden post. Follow the coloured arrows indicating the direction of the path.
In reality, there will be occasions when the waymarkers are missing or hard to follow, so it is always a good idea to take an appropriate map with you.
The Countryside Code
It's important to remember that the countryside is the home and workplace of many people. If you follow the Countryside Code wherever you go, you'll get the most enjoyment possible and you'll also help protect the countryside now and for future generations.
- Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
- Keep dogs under close control
- Consider other people
Walking Through Livestock
The risk to walkers from animals on farmland is very small, but injuries do happen. These can come from cattle, sheep, horses and pigs, with injuries from dogs being the most common.
- Avoid walking through fields containing livestock where possible, especially when their young are present
- If you feel threatened, particularly by cows, head for the nearest exit - even if it means retracing your steps
- Whilst dogs must be kept under close control when being walked through livestock, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) recommend that if you are threatened by livestock, release your dog if it is on a lead as they are generally well able to take care of themselves, and cattle will be more interested in chasing a dog than an owner
By law, certain breeds of bull over 10 months old are banned from fields which are crossed by rights of way. Cows or heifers must accompany bulls of non-dairy breeds, and the farmers are asked to post a warning notice.
Open Access
Walkers have been campaigning for decades for the opportunity to roam across wide-open spaces. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 introduced a new right for people to walk, responsibly and subject to some common sense restrictions, over areas of open countryside and registered common land in England and Wales.
These new access rights were introduced in stages over 2004-2005 and are now in force across England. People now have the chance to enjoy about 935,000 hectares of mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land, much of which was previously off-limits.
Now the rights have commenced, you will start to see this symbol in the countryside. It shows land that may be open for public access on foot (rights for other types of activities may also apply, such as riding a horse on an existing bridleway). To find out more about open access land, visit Countryside Access.
