For anyone lucky enough to keep horses on a smallholding or to ride regularly through the British countryside, understanding where you can legally go is essential. The rules are not designed to trip you up; they are the result of centuries of custom and law. Knowing your footpaths from your bridleways—and knowing when open access land applies—means you can plan rides with confidence and avoid awkward encounters with landowners or other users.

The Building Blocks of Countryside Access

In England and Wales, public rights of way are recorded on a definitive map and statement, held by the local highway authority (usually the county council or unitary authority). This map is the legal record of the routes that exist. Scotland has a different system, where access rights are broader under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, but the principles of responsible access are similar. For riders in England and Wales, the map is your starting point. It shows four main types of route, each with different permitted users.

Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways: What You Can Ride

Not all rights of way are equal. Here is what each type means for you and your horse:

• Public footpath: Pedestrians only. You cannot ride a horse on a footpath, nor can you cycle. These are marked with yellow waymark arrows.
• Public bridleway: Open to walkers, horse riders, cyclists and people with mobility vehicles. This is the mainstay of rural riding. Waymark arrows are blue.
• Restricted byway: Open to walkers, horse riders, cyclists and horse-drawn vehicles, but not motor vehicles. Waymark arrows are purple.
• Byway open to all traffic (BOAT): Open to all users, including motor vehicles, though many are used mainly by riders and walkers. Waymark arrows are red.

Always check the waymarker before you ride. It is easy to mistake a footpath for a bridleway on the ground, especially when a path is wide or well-trodden. If in doubt, consult your local council's rights of way team or a detailed map that shows bridleways as dashed green lines.

Open Access Land: Freedom on Foot, Not Always Hoof

Open access land—often moorland, heath, down or registered common—was opened up by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. On this land you have a right to roam on foot for open-air recreation. However, this right does not automatically extend to horse riding. Some open access land does allow riding under a permissive arrangement, but you must check local signs or the landowner's wishes. Never assume you can ride across open access land just because you can walk there. If riding is allowed, keep to any marked routes and respect seasonal restrictions, such as ground-nesting birds or lambing.

Permissive Paths and Landowner Agreements

Many farmers and landowners generously allow riders to use permissive paths—routes that are not public rights of way but are opened by agreement. These can be a lifeline for linking up bridleways. Permissive paths can be closed at any time, so treat them as a privilege. Stick to the agreed route, close gates behind you, and avoid riding on wet, fragile ground. If you are a smallholder with land, you might even consider creating a permissive path to connect with the wider network; your local equestrian access group can advise on how to do this safely and legally.

Practical Riding and Walking Etiquette

Good etiquette keeps routes open for everyone. Follow the Countryside Code: plan ahead, respect other people, protect the natural environment, and enjoy the outdoors. In practice, that means:

• Slow down and give way to walkers and cyclists, especially on narrow bridleways. A cheerful greeting goes a long way.
• Close gates behind you unless they are clearly meant to be left open. If you cannot close a gate, report it.
• Do not ride on footpaths or across growing crops. Stick to the line of the right of way, even if it is muddy.
• Park considerately at gates and access points so that emergency vehicles and farm machinery can pass.
• Take litter home, and never leave gateways blocked.

If you encounter an obstruction—a fallen tree, a locked gate, or a misleading sign—report it to the local highway authority. They have a duty to keep rights of way open.

Planning Your Route and Knowing Your Rights

Before you set out, spend a little time with a map. Detailed maps show public rights of way clearly, and many local councils publish online maps of the definitive record. It is also worth joining a local equestrian access group; they often know which routes are rideable, where parking is allowed, and which landowners are friendly. Keep a note of any problems and report them. The more riders who use bridleways responsibly, the stronger the case for maintaining and extending the network. Whether you are leading a pony from your smallholding or hacking out for miles, understanding the rules means you can relax and enjoy the ride.