Advice to landowners

As a landowner you have a number of responsibilities regarding any Public Rights of Way, which run across your land.

If you are unsure as to where exactly Public Rights of Way are located on your land the current Definitive Map can be viewed at our offices located at Queenswood Country Park, near Leominster.

There are three types of Public Rights of Way:

• Footpath – The public have a right to walk on these routes
• Bridleway – The public have a right to walk, cycle or ride a horse
• Byway – The public have a right to walk, cycle, ride a horse and may travel in a horse drawn carriage or motorised vehicle.

NB: Dogs are allowed on all route types. They should however, be kept under close control at all times.

Your Legal Responsibilities

Overgrowth

Hedges and trees should not be allowed to obstruct any part of a footpath.

Ploughing and Cropping

A field headland must never be ploughed. A width of 1.5 metres for a footpath and 3 metres for a bridleway should always be kept clear of crops.

Cross-field footpaths must be kept clear to a minimum width of 1 metre, Bridleways should be kept 2 metres clear.  If you cannot avoid ploughing cross-field paths they must be reinstated within 14 days.

The Counties Rights of Way network is a valuable commodity as regards bringing in income to the County and providing enjoyment to visitors and local residents. Herefordshire Council therefore has in place an enforcement policy in order to ensure that any paths are not ploughed and kept clear of crops. 

(To view our policy download the .pdf below.)

Livestock & Animals

You must not keep a dairy bull over 10 months old in a field which a Public Right of Way exists. A beef bull must be accompanied by cows or heifers.

Gates and Stiles

You are responsible for gates and stiles on a Public Right of Way. You must ensure they can be used without difficulty to path users. If any of your gates or stiles are out of condition we can supply new ones free of charge for you to install.

Please phone us on 01432 260572 stating what you require along with gate measurements, etc.

Fences and Barriers

Electric fences are not permitted alongside or across a Bridleway. They are permitted across a footpath providing an insulated handle is provided. You must not erect or leave any structure across a Right of Way and you must always obtain permission from Herefordshire Council before erecting a new fenceline across a Right of Way.

Waymarkers and Signs

Herefordshire Council install waymarkers along Public Rights of Way to assist path users. Waymarkers also protect landowners from people losing their way and trespassing.

If you feel paths around your property are not adequately remarked please contact us on 01432 260572 and we will arrange for your Area Warden to improve signage.