There are over 1330 kilometres of public rights of way in Central Bedfordshire that run within our towns and villages and out into the wider countryside. We are responsible for the day to day maintenance of the network which consists of 975 kilometres of Public Footpaths, 330 kilometres of Public Bridleway and 26 kilometres of Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATS). These rights of way are recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement.

Public Footpaths

• For walkers only.  You are allowed to take a pram, pushchair or wheelchair along a public footpath, but many routes may not be physically suitable for that purpose.

Public Bridleways

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

Restricted Byways

• For walkers, horse-riders and non-mechanically propelled vehicles.

Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT)

• For vehicles, cyclists, horse-riders and walkers.  Restrictions affecting motorised users apply on some Byways. More information can be found at the Byways Open to All Traffic home page.

You can take a pram and/or a dog with you on a public right of way.  Generally dogs do not have to be kept on leads.  However, they must be kept under control and on the path and not allowed to wander onto adjacent fields.

The rights of way contacts map (PDF 315KB) details the officers who look after Central Bedfordshire's rights of way network.

We also have a series of recreational routes from the long distance Greensand Ridge Walk to a one mile walk at Flitton Moor.  A whole range of other routes developed by local groups can be found at the Let's Go website.

The Rights of Way Act 1990 states:

• You must not plough or disturb headland or field edge paths
• You must not fail to restore a cross-field route

If you have to disturb a cross-field path you have to:

• Make good the surface so that it is convenient to use
• Ensure that path line is visible on the ground
• Keep the route free of crops which block or fall across the path

A Right of Way must be restored to its full legal width which is recorded in the Definitive Map and Statement for that path.  Where no width is recorded the 1990 Act provides the following minimum widths:

Headland paths

• Public Footpath 1.5 metres, Public Bridleway 3 metres

Cross-field paths

• Public Footpath 1 metre, Public Bridleway 2 metres

Cross-field paths where crops lodge

• Public footpath 1.8 metres, Public Bridleway 3 metres

The Central Bedfordshire public rights of way network can be viewed by using our online mapping system.  This is not a copy of the Definitive Map and should be used for reference purposes only.  From this link click "Enter online mapping".  The rights of way information will appear as you zoom into the map.  Public Footpaths are indicated by a pink line, Public Bridleways by a green line and BOATs by a brown line.  If you want to know the relevant path number you will have to tick the ROW legal labels box in the menu on the left hand side.

A public right of way gives users a right to pass and re-pass along the route and to deviate around any obstruction they may come across.  We maintain path surfaces to control natural vegetation and keeping them free of obstructions.  We carry out an annual clearance programme for many field edge paths.

We also signpost paths where they leave a metalled road and way-mark along a path where appropriate.  We maintain and install bridges over natural watercourses such as streams and ditches.

You must

• Not obstruct paths, including the placing of plain, barbed or electrified wire across them 
• Warn users of any potential dangers near the path
• Keep hedges and other overhanging vegetation cut back
• Not plough or disturb field edge paths
• Only plough across fields where it cannot be reasonably avoided
• Within 14 days of ploughing and cultivation restore paths so that they can be seen and used (and within 24 hours of any subsequent disturbance)
• Ensure that stiles and gates are in good order
• Not erect a new stile, gate or any other structure without this Council's authority
• Follow rules relating to bulls, to not allow any dairy bull over 10 months of age to be at large in any field through which a public right of way passes.  Any bull over 10 months of age is prohibited (on its own) in a field crossed by a right of way and any bull of a recognised dairy breed is prohibited even if accompanied by cows or heifers 
• Provide adequate bridges where new ditches are made or existing ones widened
• Landowners and farmers may shoot on their land but not in such a way as to endanger the public using a right of way
• Application form to alter the surface of a public right of way to apply to Rights of Way team

We are an independent advisory body working with Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Borough Council to improve your enjoyment of Central Bedfordshire and Luton's countryside whilst safeguarding its future.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 required Highway Authorities to set up a Local Access Forum. Following the creation of the unitary authority of Central Bedfordshire Council a new Local Access Forum has been established for Central Bedfordshire and Luton. Its members are local people with a balance of interests in the countryside, including recreational users, land managers and those with interests in nature conservation, heritage, business, health, transport and access for the less able.

The Forum consists of up to 22 members, all volunteers, giving their time and experience to improve countryside access for the future. Ability for each member to recognise the validity of the views of others and to seek consensus is vital, as is independence from the views of any particular organisation.