Public rights of way information

There are over 350 miles of public paths in the district connecting communities and countryside. There are four types of public paths.

Different rights of way

Public footpaths

Public footpaths are for walkers only, but you can bring a pram, pushchair or wheelchair, although some paths may not be suitable. Dogs are allowed, but cycling is not allowed.

Public footpaths are waymarked with yellow arrows.

Bridleways

For walkers, horse riders, and cyclists. Cyclists must give way to walkers and horse-riders.

Bridleways are waymarked with blue arrows.

Restricted byways

For walkers, horse-riders, cyclists, and horse-drawn vehicles.

Restricted byways are waymarked with purple arrows.

Byways open to all traffic (BOAT)

Often call byways - For walkers, horse-riders, cyclists, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles.

BOATs are waymarked with red arrows.

Where can I go?

There are lots of places you can walk, horse ride, or cycle. The map of public rights of way shows the location of footpaths, bridleways and byways.

Remember that public rights of way are over private land. Please keep to the path and follow the Countryside Code.

Who looks after the network

The network of public paths and the record of public rights of way (the definitive map and statement) is managed by the Public Rights of Way Team. If you have any queries or want to report a problem, please contact us. Our proposals to extend the path network and make it more useable are set out in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

Public Rights of Way Registers

Wakefield Council has a duty to make registers available to the public.

The Public Rights of Way network does change over time as paths are added, deleted or have their status changed, for instance, a footpath may become a bridleway.

The Public Rights of Way network changes over time as paths are added, deleted, or their status is changed.

Landowners can acknowledge Public Rights of Way across their land and indicate they won't dedicate any new routes in the future.