Daniel Ashworth
The Building Blocks of a Countryside Walk
There is nothing quite like setting off across a patchwork of fields, a hedge-lined lane, or a gentle chalk stream. But those small signs and painted arrows you pass are more than decoration. They are the legal glue that holds the British countryside access network together. Knowing what they mean keeps you on the right side of the law, and on good terms with the farmers and landowners whose land you cross. This guide will help you tell your footpaths from your bridleways and your permissive paths from your byways, so you can stride out with confidence.
Public Footpaths: Yellow Arrows and Boots
A public footpath is your basic right of way on foot. You will spot it on a map as a dashed green line, and on the ground it is usually waymarked with a yellow arrow. These paths often cross farmland, so you may meet a stile, a kissing gate, or a small footbridge. You can walk a public footpath, but you cannot ride a horse, push a bicycle, or drive a vehicle along it. Dogs are welcome, but they should be on a lead or under close control, especially around livestock. The landowner must keep the path clear, but crops may grow tall beside it. Keep to the line of the path, even if it is muddy, and never wander into a field just because the path is faint.
Public Bridleways: Blue Arrows and Hooves
Bridleways are a step up in access. They are open to walkers, horse riders, and cyclists, and they are waymarked with a blue arrow. Because horses cannot manage stiles, you will usually find gates, gaps, or wide bridle gates instead. Cyclists must give way to walkers and horses, and everyone should be mindful that bridleways can be muddier and more rutted than footpaths. Dogs are allowed, but keep them close when horses are passing. As with footpaths, bridleways often cross private land, so close every gate behind you unless it is tied open.
Restricted Byways, Byways Open to All Traffic, and Permissive Paths
Beyond footpaths and bridleways, there are two rarer public rights of way. A restricted byway is waymarked with a purple arrow and is open to walkers, horse riders, cyclists, and horse-drawn vehicles, but not to motor vehicles. A byway open to all traffic (often called a BOAT) is waymarked with a red arrow and can be used by motor vehicles, though many look like quiet green lanes. Then there are permissive paths. These are not public rights of way at all. A landowner simply grants permission for you to walk, often marked with a white arrow or a sign saying “permissive path”. They can be closed at any time, so enjoy them while they last, and follow any conditions, such as keeping dogs on leads or avoiding certain fields during lambing.
Reading the Signs on the Ground
At path junctions, look for wooden fingerposts. They usually name the path type and point the way. On gates, stiles, and walls, you will find small waymark discs or painted arrows. Here is a quick colour guide:
- Yellow arrow – public footpath
- Blue arrow – public bridleway
- Purple arrow – restricted byway
- Red arrow – byway open to all traffic
- White arrow – permissive path (not a public right of way)
If you see a sign saying “No Public Right of Way”, it is probably a permissive path or a private track. Do not assume you can walk it. Waymarks can also be missing, faded, or hidden by summer growth. Carry a detailed map, and know how to read it. Your local highway authority holds the definitive map, which is the legal record of all public rights of way. If a path is blocked, you can report it, but never trespass to get around an obstacle.
Walking Respectfully Across Farmland
Farmland is a working environment, not a playground. Keep to the path, even when it is wet or overgrown. Close gates behind you unless they are tied open. Do not climb walls or fences, and do not disturb crops or livestock. Keep dogs under control, on a lead around farm animals, and always clean up after them. If you meet a bull, stay calm, walk steadily, and do not run. In spring and early summer, ground-nesting birds and young animals need extra space, so keep dogs close and stick to the line of the path. These small courtesies keep paths open for everyone and help maintain good relations with the people who manage the land.
Walking with Confidence
Once you know your yellow from your blue, and your purple from your red, the countryside opens up. A public footpath is a legal right; a permissive path is a privilege. Respect both, and you will never feel uncertain at a stile again. If in doubt, check the definitive map, ask a local, or simply follow the waymarks with a good map in hand. With a little knowledge, you can enjoy miles of glorious British countryside, legally, safely, and happily.
