Back | Home   

Wookey Footpaths Table 

This table kindly supplied by Wookey Parish Council gives an indication of what to expect if you walk a footpath in the parish. As to terrain and surface, nearly all the paths cross fields and ditches, and the terrain may be rough or uneven. Most have stiles to climb, some gates cannot be opened. There is often mud and water, especially on the moor. The conditions and risks of a footpath can change from day to day, from brambles to, fallen branches, to mounds and holes not to mention animals, birds and insects. So please make sure you wear sensible cloths and footwear, and take proper care of yourself and other people and their property. Please note that on the table below all statements are subjective and approximate and may contain errors.
View the table

All claimed legal routes of public footpaths, bridleways, RUPP's and BOATS are recorded in the Definitive Map and Statement for Somerset.  There is a statutory duty under the  Wildlife & Coutryside Act 1981 for this map to be kept updated.

Footpath

Footpaths may be used by people on foot; a push chair may be used where conditions permit.

Bridleway

Bridleways may be used for walking, cycling, riding or leading a horse. There is no public right to use a horse-drawn vehicle. There may also be a right to drive animals other than horses. It is a criminal offence to drive a motor vehicle on a public bridleway without lawful authority (e.g. landowner's permission).

Road Used as a Public Path (RUPP)

Mendip District Council (MDC) consider that all Roads Used as Public Paths (RUPP's) shown on the Definitive Map as such may be used by pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists and that use by motorised vehicles is at the discretion of the individual vehicle driver.  MDC neither promote nor condemn the use of RUPPs by motorised vehicles.

If you are not sure if you are allowed to drive a vehicle on a RUPP you should check with MDC or read the
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

In the near future all RUPPs will be reclassified as 'restricted byways'. To find out when this legislation is due to come into force you may wish to look at the DEFRA website

Byways Open to All Traffic

A BOAT or Byway Open to All Traffic is a highway over which the right of way is on foot, horseback or bicycle, or by wheeled vehicles of all kinds including horse-drawn and motorised vehicles.  BOATs are public highways and are covered by the same laws that apply to roads.  Drivers and motorcyclists must have a driving licence, road tax, insurance certificate. There is the same duty to drive carefully and considerately as on a highway.

Permissive Paths

A permissive path is not a public right of way but a route which can be used by the public with the permission of the landowner. The duty of care to users of permitted path lies with the landowner. So too does the responsibility for maintaining permitted paths. It is seen as an enhancement to the rights of way network.  You may find, for example, that use is restricted to daylight hours, that dogs must be on a lead or are banned entirely, or that the path may be moved or closed at certain times. Use of these paths does not create a right. There may also be a notice saying that the owner does not wish the path to be dedicated as a right of way

Private Road or Drive & Public Rights of Way (PROW)

Public Rights of Way sometimes run over private roads or drives. The public may walk along the route if it is a public footpath, or they can walk, cycle or ride a horse along it if the route is a public bridleway.

Gates

By law, stiles or gates that are not already recorded on the Definitive Statement may only be erected to stop the unwanted movement of animals on agricultural or forestry land.  Recently other legislation allows the Highway Authority to erect structures (could be gates or stiles) to assist in managing the Highway.  In these cases, a stile or gate licence must be sought and gained from the County Council before erecting any structures.  Unauthorised gate are illegal obstructions on public rights of way. To apply for a licence please contact the Rights of Way Group.

Maintenance

Mendip District Council maintains the network of unsurfaced public rights of way around our parishes.  All surfaced public rights of way are the responsibility of the Highway Authority.

Our Parish Council can apply for financial help to Mendip to keep unsurfaced public rights of way clear of surface overgrowth.