PloughingThe farmer is entitled to plough or cultivate a footpath or bridleway which crosses a field (but not one which runs along the edge) if it cannot conveniently be avoided. He must then make good the surface so as to make it reasonably convenient for public use and make the line of the path apparent on the ground. These restorations must normally be carried out within 24 hours of the disturbance, but if it is the first disturbance for that crop 14 days are allowed. The restoration must be carried out over a width of at least 1 metre for a footpath or 2 metres for a bridleway. Byways should never be ploughed or cultivated. |
CroppingThe line of a path must be apparent through the crop. In addition the crop must not be allowed to grow on or fall over onto any footpath, bridleway or byway so that walkers and riders are inconvenienced. "Crop" includes cereal crops and oilseed rape but does not include grass grown for pasture, silage or hay. The width that must be kept clear is: |
| Type of Path | Crossfield | Field Edge |
| Footpath | 1 metre | 1.5 metres |
| Bridleway | 2 metres | 3 metres |
| Byway | 3 metres | 3 metres |
EnforcementHighway Authorities have the duty to enforce these provisions. Path problems should be reported to them.
ReferenceInformation taken from a pamphlet Paths for People, published in 1990 by the Countryside Commisssion and the Ramblers' Association. See also the "Blue Book": Rights of Way, a guide to law and practice, 3rd edition, by John Riddall and John Trevelyan, published in 2001 by the Open Spaces Society and the Ramblers' Association.Back to reporting path problems Back to Site Map |