Public rights of way are paths which the public have a legally protected right to use. They provide a healthy, safe and sustainable way to access the countryside and other local services, are used extensively, and generate investment in the Suffolk economy through tourism.
Suffolk has 3,500 miles of public rights of way and over 12,000 acres of open access land, providing car-free access throughout Suffolk, from bustling market towns to open heath land and other areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Public rights of way are categorised as follows:
- Footpath (FP) - the public have the right to use footpaths on foot and with a powered mobility aid
- Bridleway (BR) - the public have the same rights as with footpaths, plus they can use a bridleway on horseback, and on a bicycle
- Restricted byway (RB) - the public have the same rights as with footpaths and bridleways, plus they can use a restricted byway with a horse drawn vehicle. All RUPPs were reclassified as restricted byways under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
- Byway open to all traffic (BOAT or BY) - the public have the same rights as with footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways, plus they can use a byway open to all traffic in or on a motor vehicle but the route is mainly used by pedestrians, pedal cyclists and/or horses
Discover Suffolk is our countryside website where you can find information about places for walking, cycling and horse riding in Suffolk.
Our county offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, with miles of marked paths, two areas designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the southern section of the Broads National Park, numerous long distance trails, and national cycle routes.
Within Discover Suffolk you will find inspiration on everything from a riverside stroll for all the family to a day long hike along secluded valleys