PRoW

So what is a PRoW? A PRoW is a path that anyone has the legal right to use on foot, and sometimes using other forms of transport. The owner whose land the PRoW crosses must allow access. It is normally accepted that in England rights of way generally originated from one of three sources. Some were established as early as 5,000 BC, linking Neolithic, Bronze or Iron Age encampments. Others were created by traders moving from tribe to tribe, or travellers visiting places of worship ( one of the most famous is the Pilgrims’ Way). Closer to home is St.Peter’s Way the route that pilgrims took from the oldest wooden church in the world, St.Andrew’s Greensted Green, to the Anglo Saxon church at St.Peter-On-The-Wall at Bradwell on Sea.

Over time four main groups of paths have been established:

Footpath:  As the name suggests this path is used for walking only. It is different from the pavement alongside a road which is known as a footway. Footpaths are usually just tracks and are rarely surfaced or lit. You can also take a pram, pushchair or wheelchair on a footpath, but not a bicycle.

Bridleway: Bridleways have all the rights of a footpath but users are permitted to ride or lead a horse. In modern times the the permission has been extended to bicycles. However, horse drawn vehicles are not allowed. Cyclist must give way to pedestrians and horse riders. Mechanically- propelled vehicles, including cars and motorbikes are not allowed.

Byway (open to all traffic – BOAT): have all the rights of a footpath but all types of wheeled vehicle are allowed including mechanical propelled vehicles.

Restricted Byway: A new category of right of way created in the Rights of Way Act 2000 allows the right of way on foot, on horseback, or leading a horse, cycling and for any vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles.