Public rights and responsibilities

Some examples of the legal rights and responsibilities of the general public are listed below.

Members of the public may:

• pass and re-pass on any public right of way, even if it hasn't been used for many years
• stop to look at the view, take a photograph or sit down to rest
• take a pram, pushchair or wheelchair, but expect to encounter stiles on footpaths
• take a dog, preferably on a lead, but always under close control
• take a short route around an illegal obstruction
• remove an illegal obstacle sufficiently to get past.

Members of the public may not:

• roam over land at will, deviating from the line of the right of way unless it is to pass an obstruction
• use a vehicle on a byway if it is not registered, taxed and insured, or ride/pedal/drive recklessly, carelessly or without consideration
• use footpaths if you are a cyclist or horserider (except with permission of the landowner).

Please remember:

• Always follow the Countryside Code
• Be safe! Plan ahead and follow any signs
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
• Keep dogs under close control
• Consider other people.

Watch a short film on the Countryside Code.

The Countryside Access Service can tell you where recorded rights of way are. You can look at the interactive map or inspect the maps at our offices in Invicta House, Maidstone.

If you would like to volunteer to help maintain the rights of way in your area, please look at the how to get involved pages.

If you come across problems on any public rights of way in Kent, please help by reporting them to the Kent Report and Information Line on 0845 345 0210.