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Advice on your legal right to walk on public rights of way and open access land in England and Wales and access rights in Scotland, as well as helpful guidance when out walking in Britain and what to do if you come across a problem.
We answer frequently-asked questions about rights of way law in England and Wales, from who owns paths to what constitutes an obstruction.
Highway authorities are responsible for maintaining most rights of way. Where a highway authority fails to keep a right of way in a proper state of repair, you can use the law to oblige it to do so. We explain how.
Find out what constitutes a right of way and the different types of paths that exist.
Find out what is meant by a right to roam and the difference between access rights in England and Wales and those in Scotland.
We publish the definitive guide to rights of way law in England and Wales, also known as the 'Blue Book'
Find out what trespassing means when walking in England and Wales.
If you've reported an obstruction on a right of way to the relevant council but no action has been taken, it might be time to consider using the law to get the obstruction removed.
How the Countryside Code applies to walkers and other countryside users.
Find out about how the Scottish Outdoor Access Code applies to walkers.
How the Countryside Code applies to land managers.
Find out how the Scottish Outdoor Access Code applies to land managers.
Advice for walkers when walking on roads, including what to do when there is no pavement.
Find out about 'wild camping' away from campsites and what your responsibilities are as a countryside user.
Find out more about our work to safeguard and extend the places we walk in Britain.
Use our online form to report any problems you encounter while out walking.