You’re not the first to pass
Green roads have been used by wheeled, hoofed and foot traffic for thousands of years and we want it to stay that way.
The countryside is a shared space for us all to enjoy
Access for all is vitally important, everyone should be able to explore our nation’s beautiful open spaces however they choose to travel. Understanding where we can legally walk, cycle, horse ride, or drive, and which other users we may find ourselves sharing our rights of way with is the first step to planning your next outdoor adventure.
Who can use a right of way?
When using multi-user routes it is important that everyone is responsible for their own safety while not adding any extra risk to that of those also present.
Advice for all users
Our countryside is a working environment and our largest asset, so always treat it with respect
Take some time to plan your route before you leave
Remember that our rights of way are shared spaces and you may meet horses, cyclists, motorcyclists or cars along the way
You may come across gates and pass through properties; leave them as you find them
You are bound to come across other users or land managers/workers; always be polite when using shared spaces
Stick to the legal route; if you are unsure of access rights it would be prudent to avoid taking a chance
Meeting wildlife or livestock can be very enjoyable but never approach, instead appreciate them from a distance
Exercising dogs and horses is a great way to spend your free time; always ensure that they are kept under control especially around other users, livestock and wildlife
If you meet other users with animals respect their space and keep a safe distance
Having a picnic is great fun, but never feed any farm animals or wildlife
Always remember to take any litter home and never light a fire, keep BBQs under control
Many people have to travel to access the countryside; visitors are always welcome. Ensure that you park respectfully and do not block access to land or property when arriving
Take nothing but photographs and leave everything as you found it
Dispose of litter and dog poo appropriately, or take it home if there are no local facilities.
Advice for non-vehicular users
Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) and UCRs are public roads and therefore shared spaces open to all user groups however they choose to travel
If you choose to use BOATs or UCRs remember that you are using a public road and may well come into contact with motorised users
Keep dogs and children safe just as you would on a tarmac road
Only 3% of the rights of way network are open to vehicles. If you have any concerns about riding in close proximity to vehicles, if it is possible, plan to avoid this risk by using bridleways or restricted byways instead. Where it is not possible, signal drivers immediately to slow or stop.
Be polite to vehicular users, they are using legal public roads and like you are enjoying the countryside.
Advice for motorised users
BOATs and UCRs are open to all traffic, so give way to walkers, cyclists and horse riders
When approaching a horse pull over, stop, and turn your engine off until they have passed. If riding a motorcycle, it might be polite to remove your helmet
Remember there could be dogs, horses, and children about, so be vigilant and maintain a slow speed at all times
Be polite to all other users, as everyone is out for the same reason – to enjoy their day in the beautiful countryside.
Access for all
Watch our video about shared access for all.
Reporting a problem
Hopefully your day will go as planned, but if you notice an issue the following links may be of help:
Vehicular routes
www.fixmystreet.com
Non-vehicular routes
www.ramblers.org.uk/report-it
Anti-social behaviour
the Police on 101, or 999 in a serious emergency
Useful Contacts
The Trail Riders Fellowship
www.trf.org.uk
British Driving Society
www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk/
British Horse Society
www.bhs.org.uk
Cycling
www.cyclinguk.org/
Ramblers
www.ramblers.org.uk
The Countryside Code
www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code
The Countryside Code Wales
https://naturalresources.wales
The chart shows the comparison of total lengths of rights of way in England and Wales. There are also Unclassified County Roads (UCRs) that are open to all users.
