Click to unload Homersfield Walks Map

Walk A - Timer Shrub / River Valley Walk: 2+ miles

Walk B - Parish Boundary Walk: 2+ miles

Walk C - Gravel Pit / Flixton Estate Walk: 2+ miles (optional extra mile available)

Click to view the Definitive Map for Homersfield (updated 3rd February 2016)

Public Rights of Way – Guidance for Users and Landowners

In England and Wales, the law grants the public the right to walk, cycle, ride and, in some cases, drive on designated public rights of way across the countryside. These include footpaths, bridleways, byways open to all traffic (BOATs) and restricted byways.

Public rights of way are recorded on Definitive Maps and Statements, which are the legal records of these routes. Copies can be viewed at your local authority office, websites or library.

Types of Public Rights of Way

Footpaths

  • For pedestrians only.

  • Dogs are allowed but must be kept under close control and on the path.

  • Prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs are permitted.

Bridleways

  • Open to walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

  • Cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders.

Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs)

  • Open to all users including walkers, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists and motorists.

  • Motor vehicles must be road-legal (registered, taxed, insured and MOT’d).

Restricted Byways

  • Open to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and non-motorised vehicles.

  • Motor vehicles and motorcyclists are not permitted.

Rights and Responsibilities – For Users

Do:

  • Keep to the legal route of the right of way.

  • Keep dogs under control and clean up after them.

  • Respect wildlife, livestock and crops.

  • Leave gates as you find them.

Don’t:

  • Stray off the path – this may be trespassing.

  • Drop litter or damage property.

  • Use motor vehicles on bridleways or restricted byways.

  • Disturb wildlife or let dogs chase animals or birds.

Obligations – For Landowners

Do:

  • Maintain clear access on public rights of way across your land.

  • Restore paths within 14 days after ploughing – minimum widths:

    • Footpath: 1 metre

    • Bridleway: 2 metres

  • Allow lawful use of the path by all permitted users.

Don’t:

  • Obstruct a public right of way by ploughing or planting crops on it. Grass for hay or silage is allowed.

  • Put up stiles or gates without local authority approval.

  • Use barbed wire, electric fencing or any obstruction across a path.

  • Harass or intimidate users – including use of aggressive dogs.

  • Put up misleading signs that deter use of a public right of way.

  • Allow dairy bulls over 10 months old in fields crossed by footpaths.

Public rights of way are an important part of countryside access. Respecting these routes helps everyone enjoy and protect the natural and working environment.

For more information, contact your local authority rights of way officer or visit the Suffolk County Council website.