Public Right of Way
You have the opportunity to explore more of the countryside due to new access rights being introduced by the Government. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gives a new right to walk over areas of open countryside and registered common land.
There are just under 3000 km of public rights of way in Cheshire - 2500 km of footpaths and around 500 km of bridleways, 'RUPPs' and 'BOATs'. The County Council works closely with both users and landowners, to keep the network in good shape for all to enjoy.
Like a public road, a public right of way is a highway which anybody may use at any time. Rights of way are classified according to the nature of the public's rights along them. There are four categories of public right of way:
- Public rights of way are ways over which the public have the right to pass and repass.
- Public footpaths are for pedestrians only.
- Public bridleways are for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.
- Public byways are pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and motorised vehicles, subject to the character of the way.
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gives people a new right to walk, responsibly and subject to some common sense restrictions, over areas of open countryside and registered common land in England and Wales.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (Defra) is responsible for the implementation of the Act and you can find more information on the Defra website.
- Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (external link)
- Countryside Council for Wales (external link)
- More details on access to the countryside from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (external link)
Where you can go
You can find out where you can go in the countryside and sign up for email notification when rights commence in your area, by visiting the 'Where you can go' page on the Countryside Access website.
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