Natural England - Follow advice and local signs
Follow advice and local signs
England has about 190,000 km (118,000 miles) of public rights of way, providing many opportunities to enjoy the natural environment. Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside to show paths and open countryside.
| Symbol | Type of access | Description |
|---|---|---|
 | Footpath | Open to walkers only, waymarked with a yellow arrow |
 | Bridleway | Open to walkers, horse-riders 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 |
 | National Trail acorn | Identifies 15 long distance routes in England and Wales. All are open for walking and some trails are also suitable for cyclists, horse- riders and people with limited mobility. Further information on National Trails. |
 | Open Access land | 865,000 hectares of mountain, moorland, heathland, down land and registered common land (mapped under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) is available to people to walk, run, explore, climb and watch wildlife, without having to stay on paths. Similar rights will be extended in stages on coastal land (identified under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009). Check Open Access for maps, information and any current restrictions in place |
 | Negative access symbol | May be used to mark the end of area-wide access although other access rights may exist, for example public rights of way |
