The 4 Statutory Categories of Public Rights of Way (PRoW)
In England and Wales, all public rights of way fall into one of four distinct legal classifications established by Parliament under the Highways Act 1980, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
The legal category determines who can use the path, what forms of transport are permitted, how wide the route must be, and who is responsible for ground maintenance. Mixing up a footpath and a bridleway can lead to civil trespass disputes, while confusing a restricted byway with a BOAT can result in vehicular prosecutions.
| Category | Waymarker Arrow Color | Permitted Users | Prohibited Users | Surface & Width Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Footpath | Yellow Arrow on white disc | Walkers, runners, prams, mobility scooters, dogs | Bicycles, horses, horse carriages, motor vehicles | Narrow dirt, gravel, or turf path; min 1.0m–1.5m |
| Public Bridleway | Blue Arrow on white disc | Walkers, horse riders, pedal bicycles, e-bikes | Horse-drawn carriages, cars, motorbikes, quad bikes | Hard-packed track or turf; min 2.0m–3.0m headroom |
| Restricted Byway | Plum / Maroon Arrow | Walkers, horse riders, cyclists, horse-drawn carriages | All mechanically propelled motor vehicles (cars/motorcycles) | Unsealed track, farm lane, or greenway; min 3.0m |
| Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) | Red Arrow on white disc | All legal highway users including 4x4 vehicles & motorbikes | None (Subject to road traffic laws & weight limits) | Unsurfaced carriageway, green lane; vehicle ruts common |
Waymarker Arrow Colours: The Countryside Navigation Code
When exploring the UK countryside, local highway authorities and National Trail partnerships install standardized circular plastic waymarker discs on wooden fingerposts and stiles:
• Yellow Arrow: Public Footpath. Strictly pedestrian passage only.
• Blue Arrow: Public Bridleway. Walkers, horse riders, and cyclists.
• Plum / Magenta Arrow: Restricted Byway. Non-motorized transport only (including carriage drivers).
• Red Arrow: Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT). Full vehicular rights.
• Acorn Symbol: Designated National Trail (e.g., South West Coast Path, Pennine Way, Cotswold Way), which may incorporate footpaths or bridleways along different sections.
Under Section 30 of the Countryside Act 1968, cyclists riding on bridleways have a statutory duty to give way to pedestrians and horse riders at all times. Always use a bell or call out politely when approaching horses from behind.
What is a 'Restricted Byway'? The Impact of the NERC Act 2006
Prior to May 2006, many ancient green lanes were categorized as 'Roads Used as Public Paths' (RUPPs). Because the legal status of RUPPs was ambiguous, recreational off-road 4x4 clubs and motorbikes frequently claimed vehicular rights, churning rural lanes into deep impassable mud.
To resolve this crisis, Parliament passed the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act 2006). Section 67 extinguished public rights for mechanically propelled vehicles across historic unsealed ways, converting virtually all RUPPs into 'Restricted Byways'. Today, driving a car or motorbike down a Restricted Byway is a criminal offence under Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Permissive Paths vs Statutory Rights of Way
In addition to statutory rights of way, you will frequently encounter 'Permissive Paths' (or concessionary paths):
• Permissive Footpath: The landowner allows the public to walk the route by permission rather than legal dedication. The owner retains the right to withdraw access at any time, close the path annually (to prevent a 20-year prescriptive right of way from being established), and restrict dogs or cycles.
• Statutory PRoW: Cannot be closed, revoked, or gated without formal statutory orders approved by the council or Secretary of State.
Never assume a track shown on an estate agent brochure is a public right of way. If it is only a permissive path, the landowner can close the gate permanently the day after you complete your purchase.
Property Impact Comparison: How Classification Affects Adjoining Homes
The legal category of an adjacent right of way dramatically shapes living conditions and property valuations: