What is a 'public right of way'?

A public right of way is a route which the public has a legal right to use, such as bridleways, byways and rural footpaths. If you have a complaint or enquiry about a tarmaced or paved footpath use our Highways Fault Report form. Use our public rights of way fault report form to tell us about any problems with a public right of way.

Types of public rights of way

Visit the Directgov website to read about the different types of public rights of way and their correspondingly coloured arrow markings. Visit the Enivronment Law website to find out about the do's and don'ts of public rights of way.

Green lanes

Green lanes are un-surfaced tracks, usually bounded by hedges and often established a long time ago. The term has no legal meaning and if there is a public right of way along the track, it will be classified as a type of public right of way.

Permitted paths

Permitted paths are routes that landowners allow the public to use, sometimes for a fixed period of time. They can be closed at any time, but often form valuable links to the path network. We encourage these and can provide advice and signs to those wishing to establish such paths.