Responsibilities on public rights of way

We're responsible for maintaining 3,458km of public rights of way which includes:

• 2,810km of public footpaths
• 615km of public bridleways
• 33km of byways open to all traffic and restricted byways

View information about our specific responsibilities below.

We maintain and install signposts on public rights of way. We add signs where paths leave a 'metalled road' and along the paths themselves (where it's appropriate).

We maintain and control plants and natural vegetation growing from the surface of paths.

We build and maintain bridges over natural water courses and ditches.

We give grants (to farmers and landowners) for at least 25% of the costs of maintaining existing stiles and gates.

We assert and protect the rights of the public to use and enjoy the rights of way network.

We keep a register of definitive map modification orders.

The public have responsibilities to not misuse or damage public rights of way. This ensures the rights of way and the countryside remains a welcoming place.

You should:

• prepare for your journey by:
  • wearing suitable footwear and clothing
  • plan your route
  • use a map if you're unsure where to go
• stay on the paths
• close gates after you've used them
• take any litter with you
• take care near traffic and face oncoming traffic when following roads
• respect wildlife and people who live in the countryside
• keep your dog on a lead (when near livestock) and under close control at all times
• ensure your dog does not:
  • worry livestock
  • run through arable crops
  • force game from hedgerows

View more information about ensuring livestock are safe.

You should not:

• park your car where it could be an obstruction to local residents or landowners
• park your car next to a gateway or blocking a gate
• cause damage
• cause a disturbance
• deviate from the line of the right of way (unless you need to pass an obstruction)
• use a vehicle on a byway that is not registered, taxed or insured
• drive a motor vehicle on a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway (this is illegal)
• set up tables, chairs or picnic equipment
• scrump fruit (for example, steal apples from an orchard)

You can read more information in the Countryside Code.

Landowners and land-managers must:

• not obstruct public rights of way or allow public rights of way to be obstructed (an obstruction can be anything that prevents convenient use of the route)
• ensure that the public are not deterred from using a public right of way (for example verbally, or with misleading signs)
• ensure cross-field routes are:
  • convenient
  • apparent
  • have no obstructions to the legal minimum width
• ensure that headland routes are:
  • convenient
  • apparent
  • have no obstructions to the legal minimum width
• never plough a field edge path, restricted byway or a byway open to all traffic

Landowners and land-managers must not keep bulls (of a recognised dairy-breed) in a field crossed by a public right of way.

The exceptions are if they are under 10 months old, or are not a recognised dairy-breed but are accompanied by cows and heifers.

Landowners and land-managers must ensure that stiles and gates (authorised by us) are maintained in a safe-condition and are easy to use.

They must remove any unnecessary structures.

Landowners and land-managers must not place barbed-wire across public rights of way or attach it to structures. If barbed-wire is essential, place it stock side of the fence and place plain wire on the public rights of way side to avoid injury.

Landowners and land-managers must avoid using firearms on or adjacent to public rights of way.

They must ensure that they understand the law before commencing a shoot in the vicinity of a public right of way.

View The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) code of good shooting practice.

View the following guides and webpages:

• guidance on animals banned on land containing public rights of way (GOV.UK)
• how to apply to install a gate to protect or enclose livestock
• guide on landowner responsibilities

If you need more information, you can contact us online.