Published: 23/10/2025 By Beth Rutterford
It is often said that a footpath is one metre wide and a bridleway two metres wide. In truth, these figures apply only when reinstating a route through crops – they are not a general rule.There is no single standard width for a Public Right of Way. Each one must be considered individually.
Every route has a Definitive Statement, which, alongside the Definitive Map, forms the legal record. Many statements include a width, which can range from a single metre to 50 feet or more.
If no width is given, physical features are usually the next guide. Where a path is between fixed boundaries e.g. hedges or walls, the whole area between those boundaries is presumed to be the Public Right of Way. Where no boundaries exist, the width will be judged on historic use, what is reasonable and local authority policy, though this can leave room for interpretation and debate.
Understanding width is important. Councils have a legal duty to protect the full extent of a right of way and will act if even part of it is obstructed. This matters when planning work such as ditching, fencing or development, as well as when deciding responsibility for maintenance, such as overgrowth or trees.
For land managers, knowing the true width of a right of way helps avoid disputes and ensures that any works or maintenance are carried out with confidence. Clarity at the start prevents problems later. That’s where Symonds & Sampson’s experts can help. For advice on maintaining, creating or indeed avoiding creating rights of way, please contact Beth Rutterford, Graduate Surveyor in our Devizes office on 01380 710535, or our Rights of Way experts in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office.
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