Ever wonder about those "bridleway" signs you see on walks? You're not alone! The British Horse Society explain what bridleways are and if they're the same as footpaths.
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What are bridleways?
Bridleways are just one form of public rights of way that everyone can use freely at any time to move around the UK’s countryside, towns, villages, and urban areas alike.
As part of the off-road network, bridleways are widely recognised as one of the most important means of enabling people to access and explore the countryside.
They are protected by law with local authorities responsible for recording them, maintaining them and ensuring they are kept free of obstructions.
Who can use bridleways?
While bridleways are often used by people riding bikes or horses, or leading their horse, they are also open to people travelling on foot.
What's the difference between bridleways and footpaths?
The fundamental difference between a bridleway and a footpath, restricted byway and a byway open to all traffic (often known as BOATs) is the way in which you are allowed to use them.
Footpaths are only generally available to people on foot (which includes using mobility scooters and similar modes of transport). On the other hand, a restricted byway can be used by all those who can use bridleways as well as non-motorised vehicles such as carriage drivers.
BOATs are effectively part of the road network and are available for all to use, although motor vehicles must be taxed, insured and MOT’d, as required on ordinary roads.
How many miles of bridleways do we have in the UK?
There is an estimated 120,000 miles of public rights of way officially recorded across England and Wales. This is according to the Definitive Map – the legal record of rights of way held by local authorities.
However, only about 27,000 miles of that is available to cyclists equestrians (approximately 21,000 miles of bridleway and 6,000 miles of restricted byway or BOAT).
Equally important as the total length is how they join up to create a network. It is very clear from looking at Definitive Maps that the network of bridleways and byways is very fragmented, and it is often only possible to go on a circular route or similar by using sections of road to join them up.
Why have bridleway numbers reduced?
Some bridleways have been lost as development extends over more of the countryside. However, the bigger issue is that many bridleways and byways are not properly recorded on the Definitive Map; they may be recorded as a footpath only or are missing altogether.
This is largely due to the way that the information was collected for Definitive Maps when they were first drawn up in the 1950s. Coming so soon after the end of the Second World War, with the country poor and trying to rebuild, recreational horse riding was at a historical low and local councils were often keen to minimise their obligations and, as a consequence, many so-called higher rights routes (bridleways and byways) were omitted or downgraded.
Why are bridleways at risk?
Any bridleway or byway that is not properly recorded is liable to be obstructed, developed or simply fall into disuse through neglect.
However, the biggest risk to all these routes comes from a change in the law which will mean that any unrecorded bridleway (or footpath) will be legally closed and lost forever, if the local authority has not received an application to add them to the Definitive Map by 1 January 2031 – the so-called cut-off date.
It is vital for horse riders, cyclists walkers, and all lovers of the great outdoors, that we work together to ensure these routes are researched and recorded on the Definitive Map, ahead of the deadline, to help future generations to continue to explore and enjoy the UK’s countryside.
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About the British Horse Society
The British Horse Society is an equine charity that promotes and advances the education, training and safety of the public in all matters relating to the horse. With the support of their volunteers and members, the BHS works hard to make a positive impact on the lives of all horses and those who love them.
To learn more about the BHS and how they can help you to get started on your equine journey, visit bhs.org.uk