Types of public rights of way
England has about 190,000 km (118,000 miles) of public rights of way, providing many opportunities to enjoy the natural environment.
Waymarks are widely used symbols to identify and mark public rights of way on the ground. Markings may vary locally.
Footpath - open to walkers, waymarked with a yellow arrow
Bridleway - open to walkers, horseriders and cyclists waymarked with a blue arrow
Restricted byway - open to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles. Waymarked with a plum coloured arrow.
Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) - open to walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, horse-drawn vehicles and motor vehicles, waymarked with a red arrow.
Note: Other access rights may exist over a route including unrecorded higher rights for other users and/or private access rights to land and property.
| Type | Length (miles) | Length (km) | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footpaths | 91,000 | 146,000 | 78 |
| Bridleways | 20,000 | 32,000 | 17 |
| Byways | 2,300 | 3,700 | 2 |
| Restricted Byways | 3,700 | 6,000 | 3 |
