Public rights of way information

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

In the Wakefield district these are mostly footpaths and bridleways. A Public Right of Way is a type of highway and people have a legal right to use them.

There are also many cycle paths, permissive paths and other types of paths that people can use throughout the district.

The legal record of Public Rights of Way is called the Definitive Map.

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.

Public Bridleways

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

Bridleways are waymarked with blue arrows.

Restricted byways

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

Byways open to all traffic (BOAT)

Often call byways - For walkers, horse-riders, cyclists, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles. Some Byways may have restrictions for motor vehicles on them. 

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.

Link

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

For information about cycle routes in Wakefield view the Cycle Wakefield website.

There are also longer promoted routes in Wakefield, for more information on these see:

• Wakefield way
• Trans Pennine Trail

Who looks after the Public Rights of Way?

The network of public paths and the record of public rights of way (the Definitive map and Statement) is managed by the Council’s Public Rights of Way Team. If you have any queries or want to report a problem, please contact us.

The Council’s role

Wakefield Council, as the highway authority, is responsible for the maintenance of public rights of way. 

The Council should: 

• keep the surface of the public path network in good repair, and control vegetation growing from the surface (other than crops)
• provide and maintain bridges to carry paths over natural water courses as well as farm ditches
• install signposts where paths leave surfaced roads, and provide additional signs and waymarks if necessary, along the route
• protect the public's right to use and enjoy rights of way
• secure the removal of obstructions, including ensuring that paths over farmland are reinstated and marked out after they have been ploughed and are kept free obstruction by crops
• ensure there are no signs or notices that would deter the public from any paths

The landowner’s role

Landowners must ensure that a right of way on their land is unobstructed and safe to always use. The majority of landowners meet these responsibilities, but if they do not Wakefield Council has duty to take action to ensure paths can be used. It can take enforcement action if necessary when doing this.

Improving the Network

Wakefield Council looks to make improvements to the network by making it more accessible for all users. The Council also aims to create links and improve paths where new development takes place or to encourage Active Travel or recreational routes.

The Council was required to produce a plan identifying where improvements to Public Rights of Way could be made. This is the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.