Accept cookies We use cookies to make your browsing experience better. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies
A right of way in England and Wales is a path that anyone has the legal right to use on foot, and sometimes using other modes of transport. Legally, a public right of way is part of the Queen's highway and subject to the same protection in law as all other highways, including trunk roads.
On a footpath, the right of way is on foot only. On a bridleway, the right of way is for walkers, and those travelling on horseback and on bicycle. These two routes are pretty self-explanatory but what about BOATs and ORPAs? Knowledge of these could help with local campaigning and ensure that historic rights of way are recorded for the future.