Where do I find PRoW and what can I expect?

Where are they and how do I find public rights of way - on the ground

Most public rights of way are signed with white text on green 'flag style' signs where they leave roads. Along the path similar signs, or directional waymark discs (opens new window) with arrows show which way the route goes. The signs normally indicate the direction, status and destinations of the route.

The Ordnance Survey 'Explorer 308 (opens new window)' map is a good guide to where they are.

What to expect when using public rights of way

Public rights of way may have a built surface of either bound or compressed stone, or may have a grass/soil surface.

Paths across agricultural fields can be ploughed but must be reinstated (opens new window) and made clear within specified time periods (2 weeks for first disturbance for a crop, and 24hrs for subsequent disturbances for the same crop).

The right to use a public right of way is not a guarantee that all will be able to do so. Slopes, steps, stiles, gates, narrowness, surfaces, distances and remoteness from facilities can present practical problems for some people. That said, the network is being managed and developed to increase accessibility for the maximum number of people, and schemes are regularly implemented to improve this, in accordance with our Rights of Way Improvement Plan (opens new window) (appendix D p.260).