A public right of way is a way over which the public have a right to pass and re-pass. All known public rights of way are recorded in the definitive map and statement, which is the main legal record held by the local authority.

Public rights of way can be found throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. All these paths are split into 4 categories:

• footpath – pedestrians only (including pushchairs, wheelchairs/mobility scooters)
• bridleway – pedestrian (including pushchairs, wheelchairs/mobility scooters), equestrian and cyclist traffic only, usually not a bound surface
• restricted byway – pedestrian (including pushchairs, wheelchairs/mobility scooters), equestrian, cyclist and horse and carriage traffic only
• byway (open to all traffic) – all of the above and mechanically propelled vehicles

A footpath should be wide enough for 2 walkers to pass in comfort. A bridleway should allow 2 horses to pass each other comfortably.

Cyclists and horse riders should not use footpaths and cyclists must give way to riders and walkers on bridleways.

Our responsibilities

Our responsibility is to assert and protect the public’s enjoyment of all their highways and to:

• prevent unlawful encroachment
• prevent any unlawful obstruction
• prevent stopping up paths against the public interest
• keep the definitive map and statement under continuous review

Rights of way maintenance

We work closely with landowners and our maintenance team investigates reports received from members of the public and user groups and carry out practical work across the area.

Signposting and waymarking

We have a duty to signpost public rights of way where they leave a metalled road. Rights of way are also signposted or waymarked particularly where the route is not obvious.

Bridges

We are responsible for the maintenance and repair of foot and bridle bridges.

Surface

We are responsible for the maintenance of the surface of rights of way according to the status of the path; for example, a footpath will be maintained up to footpath standard - even if it may also be used by private vehicles.

Your responsibility as a user or landowner

Users may:

• pass and re-pass on a public right of way
• stop to look at the view, take a photograph, sit down to rest and so on
• take a pram, pushchair, wheelchair, but expect to encounter stiles on footpaths
• take a dog, but always under close control
• may remove an illegal obstacle sufficiently to get past

Users may not:

• roam over land at will, deviating from the line of the right of way unless it is to pass an obstruction
• use a vehicle on a byway if it is not registered, taxed and insured, or to drive recklessly, carelessly or without due consideration of others
• use a right of way for any purpose other than as a right of passage
• cause any unnecessary damage when removing an illegal obstruction

You must leave land to which you have no legal right of access if asked to do so by the owner or their representative.

Stiles and gates

It is the landowner's responsibility to maintain stiles or gates on public rights of way on their land. We usually contribute a minimum of 25% of costs.

Overgrown vegetation

Landowners are responsible for cutting back hedges, trees or shrubs overhanging a public right of way. Surface vegetation or undergrowth on rights of way, such as nettles or brambles, are our responsibility.