Finding your way

What you're allowed to do on a right of way depends on its classification. Therefore it's important that you know what type of path you are on.

	Footpath	Pedestrians only. Cycles and horses are not allowed.
	Bridleway	Pedestrians, horses and cycles only. No motor vehicles allowed.
	Byway	Same as a bridleway, but might have some motor vehicle rights.
	Permissive Path	Access is granted by the land-owner who decides what type of use is allowed. A permissive path does not carry the same legal public rights of way.

Where a right of way leaves the highway, it should be marked by a finger post, preferably indicating the type of path, the path number, the destination and the distance.

How is a right of way indicated?

The Council maintains the Definitive Map of Rights of Way which is the legal record of public rights of way in Gateshead. The information contained on the Definitive Map is reproduced by the Ordnance Survey on its Landranger and Explorer maps, although the fact that a path is shown on an OS map cannot be taken as legal proof that a right of way exists along it.

Even, when going out locally it's best to get the latest information about where and when you can go; for example, your rights to go on some areas of open land may be restricted while work is carried out, for safety reasons or during breeding seasons. Follow advice and local signs, and be prepared for the unexpected.