Keith Seymour, Chairman of Dorset Area Ramblers, explains Rights of Way

One of the most confusing things for walkers is the difference between types of Rights of Way.

It isn’t often clear where you can walk and what hazards to be aware of. If you’ve been stumped before, this may come in handy.

There are four types of Right of Way, the majority of which are marked on walkers’ maps as dotted green lines:

  • Footpaths. These are open to walkers only and are marked by small yellow arrows on the ground
  • Bridleways. Marked with blue arrows, these are open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders
  • Restricted Byways. Open to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn carriages marked with purple arrows
  • Byways Open to All Traffic. These have red arrow waymarks and are open to all the above users and to motor vehicles.

The above are public paths that walkers have a legal right to use and the landowner/council have a duty to keep clear. Other paths include:

National Cycle Network. Marked by blue signs with bicycles on them, these may use any path open to bicycles, including roads

Permissive paths. Sometimes marked by green arrows these are open to walkers by permission of the landowner, but there is no obligation to keep the path open.

For more information about Rights of Way, speak to your local council or see ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/advice-for-walkers/your-access-rights/basics-of-rights-of-way-law.aspx