Your rights on a public right of way

On a right of way you can:

• Take a pram, pushchair or wheelchair but expect to encounter stiles on footpaths.
• Take a dog, which should be under close control especially near livestock. You may find, however, that stiles have not been specially designed to allow dogs to pass through them.
• Take a short alternative route around an illegal obstacle.
• Remove an illegal obstruction if you are unable to get past.

For information: There’s an ancient common law right to pass and repass along highways at all times. Footpaths and bridleways are highways. They only differ from other forms of highway, such as roads, by the type of traffic entitled to use them and that they’re mostly across private land. Lack of use has no effect on the legal existence of a right of way.

For further information about rights of way please contact us for a copy of our booklet Finding Your Way [PDF 533KB] a guide to public paths in Nottinghamshire