Warwickshire Direct
Advice on using rights of way
When visiting the countryside, prepare for your visit by taking suitable clothing for the (unpredictable!) weather conditions, and making sure you wear strong footwear. A walk around one of Warwickshire’s Country Parks will not require much further preparation, but it’s always best to let someone know where you are going, and what time you should be back. For longer walks in the open countryside extra planning can be useful.
Remember to always respect the countryside and follow the Countryside Code.
More information on using the countryside:
If you find a problem with any Public Rights of Way in Warwickshire, please tell us about it. You can report it online, phone 01926 412824, or email:
Walkers
As a walker, you are able to use all types of Public Rights of Way - public footpaths, public bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic.
Information about way markers, which show the status of a route.
You are allowed to take a dog with you but must make sure that it keeps to the line of the path. Advice about dogs in the countryside.
If you are looking for somewhere to take the children (or the grandchildren) and need a surface suitable for a pushchair, try our Country Parks. You are sure to find something to meet your needs.
For those of you who want more of a challenge, we have publications of walks of different lengths, or look at the Events Database for local walks.
Cyclists
As a cyclist you can use public bridleways, cycleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic.
Information about way markers, which show the status of a route.
You are not allowed to cycle on public footpaths without the landowners permission.
When cycling in the countryside always:
- Wear bright clothing and a helmet;
- Be aware and be alert;
- It is safest to ride in single file;
- Signalling clearly lets others know your intentions;
- Carry a puncture repair kit;
- Check your brakes, wheels and tyres.
More useful information can be found at:
Horse riders
As a horse rider you can ride or lead a horse on public bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic.
Information about way markers, which show the status of a route.
You are not allowed to ride or lead a horse on public footpaths without the landowners permission.
The British Horse Society website provides useful advice for Horse Riders, including how to be safe when you ride.
More useful information can be found at the following websites:
You can also ride at some of Warwickshire's Country Parks. Permits can be obtained for riding at Kingsbury Water Park and at The Kenilworth Greenway. There is also a permissive bridleway at The Stratford Greenway.
Drivers
If you are driving a horse-drawn vehicle, you can use restricted byways and byways open to all traffic. Mechanically propelled vehicles, eg motorbikes, quad bikes and 4x4s, can only use byways open to all traffic (and of course the ordinary road network).
Information about way markers, which show the status of a route.
We have only a few byways in Warwickshire but we do have some E-Roads.
You are not allowed to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on public footpaths, bridleways or restricted byways without the landowners permission.
