Knowing your rights of way when planning walks Britain Activities

I am amongst of the many hikers and walkers that I love to go on many walks Britain activities. Now is the time of year to get out in the sunshine and go on walks Britain. The good thing is that there are a number of footpaths that can be used all around Britain that can be used for walking. These footpaths the council have deemed "rights of way" that are made for this very purpose.

I am sure you are aware however Great Britain is a European country that is a collection of 5 separate countries England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. There are many paths that link throughout these 5 countries and offer some excellent walks and hikes. You can be hiking in the mountains of Scotland, Wales and the Lake District or having a gentle walk on the Devonshire or Yorkshire moors (some may not be so gentle). All of these add up for some pleasurable walks Britain activities.

However there is a problem. I have seen on a few hiking forums that people are not fully aware of their rights and don’t know where to walk. It is very important to know your rights to enjoy your walks Britain time.

So here are some questions and answers that may help.

1. So what could be a right of way?
A right of way is a footpath that has been deemed as a public right of way.

2. What are my rights on a particular public right of way?
Your right is to walk, rest or run or anything legal on a public right of way. However remember this is only on the path deemed as a public right of way. As soon as you move off the path you may not have right of way which is not good. So keep to the path during all your walks Britain activities.

3. How do I know if the path is a public right of way or not?
The way to do this is to go to your local surveying authority and ask for a "definitive map". The definitive map shows you the official public rights of way. However be aware that some paths are "rights of way" but not shown on the definitive map. This is because the official application has not been raised yet however is likely to be shortly. However not all footpaths are public rights of way so be careful.

4. What person or group is responsible to make a path a public right of way?
In England the county councils and local district councils together with top government (i.e. Secretary of State) are responsible for making a particular path a public right of way for all walks Britain paths

My suggestion is that when you are planning any walks in Britain then go to your local surveying authority and ask for that "definitive map". You are then in a strong position to know where to walk and therefore be comfortable planning for your particular route.

Have a really great walk!