Place holder for information on Rights of Way

Rights of Way law - Quick user guide

This is a very  short guide on Rights of Way . The guide covers who's responsible for recording rights of way, the way they can be created, diverted or removed.

For more information we recommend the Ramblers Rights of Way the basis of Rights of Way law is that:

A right of way is a path that anyone has the legal right to use on foot and mobility scooter and sometimes using other modes of transport.

• Public footpaths are open only to walkers, mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
• Public bridleways are open to walkers, mobility scooters, horse-riders and pedal cyclists
• Restricted byways are open to walkers, mobility scooters, horse-riders, and drivers/riders of non-motorised vehicles (such as horse-drawn carriages and pedal cycles)
• Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) are open to all classes of traffic including motor vehicles, though they may not be maintained to the same standard as ordinary roads

Legally, a public right of way is part of the Queen's highway and subject to the same protection in law as all other highways, including trunk roads.

Permissive Paths

These are not legally recorded Public Rights of Way but the public can use them with the permission of the landowner. They are usually waymarked with a Permissive symbol. The permission may extend just to certain types of user, e.g. walkers. The permission (which may be a written agreement or just verbal) may be withdrawn by the landowner.

Promoted Routes

These are routes which have a significance in the area and are popular with visitors. They typically consist of a mix of different types of Public Rights of Way, minor roads and permissive paths. The Shropshire Way is a long-distance footpath which is promoted in Shropshire, and there are also other promoted routes for other users e.g. horseriders such as the Jack Mytton Way and Humphrey Kynaston Way. Most of these promoted routes will have their own distinct waymarking.

Who's responsible for the rights of way?

Shropshire has 5600kms of Rights of Way in the county. The Shropshire Highways maintains a definitive map of all the Rights of Way in the county. Online access can be gained to this resource. Details are contained within the Rights of way guidance document published by Shropshire Highways.