Public Rights of Way - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a footpath, a footway, a bridleway and a byway?
Footpaths and footways are both for use by pedestrians only. The only difference is location - a footpath is a path that is not beside a road and a footway is a pavement that is next to a road. Footpaths and footways may be used for walking only and cyclists are not advised to use either unless signs say otherwise. Unlike footpaths, anyone over the age of 16 riding a cycle on a footway can be given a £20 fixed penalty fine. Cyclists can use routes marked as byways or bridleways. A bridleway can only be used by walkers, horse riders or pedal cyclists. A byway is a highway mainly used for walking, cycling or horse riding but over which there is a right to use any type of wheeled vehicle, whether horse drawn or motorised.

Who is responsible for footpaths?
The recording of footpaths and other Public Rights of Way and their maintenance is the responsibility of Cheshire East Council's Public Rights of Way team. They also deal with creations, diversions and closures. The team also deals with enforcement issues such as removal of obstructions across a Public Right of Way.

Can I ride my horse on the highway verge?
Under common law, pedestrians, horse riders and carriage drivers have public user rights over the whole width of land designated a highway. Usually this is between the hedges and fences on either side of the carriageway and this area may include verges. These rights may, however, be restricted where limitations are imposed such as the provision of a footway, along which only pedestrians have user rights. This and other legal requirements effectively limit the width for vehicular users to the made-up carriageway, what we call the road. Horse riders can lawfully cross a footway, say at a road junction or verge-crossing, and ride along the verge at the back of a footway if it exists. There are exceptions to this, however; for example, if a Traffic Regulation Order or local bylaw exists specifically forbidding horse riders the use of the verge. You would know of such an Order by the display of signs indicating the ban.

Where can I stable my horse overnight in Cheshire East?
The British Horse Society publishes Bed and Breakfast for Horses (£5.95 plus 90p postage and packing) is available from the BHS On-Line Bookshop (01926 707762).

Where can I learn how to ride?
For lists of riding schools in Cheshire East, please see the British Horse Society - where to ride in Cheshire and Yell.com - riding schools in Cheshire East.

How can I learn to read a map?
The Ordnance Survey has a useful publication which takes you through the steps of how to read one of their Explorer or Landranger maps.  This will enable you to explore the wide network of public rights of way across Cheshire East and further afield.  The leaflet is called 'Map Reading Made Easy Peasy' and can be downloaded from the Ordnance Survey's website - look for the 'map reading' link under 'paper mapping'.

Alternatively, learn navigation skills by joining our Rangers on a walk from the Open Air programme of events in the countryside and parks of Cheshire East.

How can I find out about joining a group for walks, cycles and rides?
We have provided a page with details of local groups who organise walks, cycle rides and horse rides in Cheshire East.